The home countries of England, Scotland and Wales will each be represented by World Champions for the 2008 BDO British Internationals at the Normandy Cosmopolitan Hotel, Renfrew over the weekend of Saturday, April 5th and Sunday, April 6th.
Host country Scotland will have reigning Winmau World Masters Champion ROBERT THORNTON (also crowned 2008 Dutch Open Champion in February), Wales will have reigning BDO Lakeside World Professional Champion MARK WEBSTER, and England will be led by 2007 Lakeside World Professional Champion MARTIN ADAMS, the proud captain of England since 1994.
In addition, England can boast 2001 World Professional Champion JOHN WALTON, and captain of England Women is seven times Women's World Professional Champion TRINA GULLIVER.
It guarantees that the 29th staging of these hugely competitive BDO British Internationals will be one of the most attractive and competitive ever – especially with both Scotland and Wales being determined to end the winning runs of England.
England Men remain unbeaten in these Internationals since 2001 and England Women can boast an even better record, because they haven't been beaten since 1999!
Scotland Men, captained by Mike Veitch, last won this title in 2000, and as host nation will be keen to repeat that victory on home soil.
Wales Men have never won this famous title but captain MARTIN PHILLIPS, who is now their most capped Welsh player of all time, must feel that fate is on their side with the hugely talented Mark Webster in such great form.
Indeed, Wales were winners of the recent 2008 Six Nations Cup, beating England in the final and ending their four-year unbeaten run (Scotland had won it in the two years previous to that). It was a famous victory for Wales as host nation, and they are now determined to break their ‘duck' in the BDO British Internationals.
"The British Internationals are very special for the players and are never less than keenly contested", says Olly Croft of the BDO. "It's not just about personal pride, but national pride, and that means a great deal to all the players."
"We are certainly in for another great weekend of darts with so many well-known names in the teams – including many familiar faces-men and women - from the Lakeside World Professional Darts Championships."
" However, in addition to the players, we must thank all the dedicated officials who give up so much of their time to ensure the smooth running of the British Internationals.
"Not forgetting Len Mutch and the Scottish Darts Association, as well as our hosts at the Normandy Cosmopolitan Hotel".
The 2008 BDO British Internationals feature Men's 12 a-side and Women's 6 a-side teams, and non-playing spectators are welcome on both days. Admission on Saturday is £6 and on Sunday £8 per person. The schedule of play is as follows:
SATURDAY, APRIL 5th
BDO British Internationals
