Nelly on Tour – Northern Ireland Open Darts
The idea behind me travelling to these events was to achieve a bit of a personal dream but also to give people insights into the BDO Tour and where possible to give some feedback on travel, venues, events and where money can be saved or lost as the case may be.
As i have previously stated i will be totally honest and straight in my opinions and the first bit of feedback must come the events i played in and the way i played and im afraid it wasnt great.
Friday night was the Mixed Triples event playing with Aeron Elias and Julie ^Leahy^ Hunter both from Ireland and we went out 3-1 in the first round. Must admit triples, all throwing in succession, isnt my favourite event and played ok but as a triple we didnt perform well. All three of us very dissapointed and knowing can and should have played better.
It was the turn of the Individuals on day two and had a 12.30pm match time which i like.
In the best of 7 leg format went 2-0 down after a scoring error saw my opponent finish the leg only scoring 461.
Basically the marker put a first score for my opponent in leg two of 60 and deducted 100. This was brought to my attention by someone watching the game later on in the leg. On informing the marker and my opponent that the error had occured they said it couldnt be changed as more than 6 darts by each player had been thrown after the error. Never heard that one before but after checking with the officials they said the same so had to accept the decision.
At 2-0 down i went out in 15 and 18 darts to level the match then managed to miss 9 darts at a double to go 3-2 up.
My opponent then went out to win leg 6 with me still cursing missed doubles and the scoring error.
Day three was the Pairs with Aeron and again a first round exit going down 3-0 to Jamie Hughes and Micky Stocks who then went on to get beat in the final. Both Jamie & Micky played very well leaving us in the distance.
Reflection....i need to focus on my own game, follow my own routine and will be so glad to get my back room sorted at home and practice board up. Since Ghent not had time to practice with moving and work commitments and its something i deffo need to do.
Travel is often one way you can save money and we^ve found a money saving tip for next years Northern Ireland Open if it is held in Newry. We flew from Leeds/Bradford into Belfast City using Flybe, last flight back was 18.50.
Had we flown with Ryanair into Dublin we could have saved ourselves £60 to £70 each and the travel time from Dublin and Belfast City to Newry is approximately the same. Another benefit it the last flight from Dublin back to Leeds/Bradford is around 21.00.
Dont forget though, should you decide to fly into Dublin you will need a passport.
My views on the organisation. Obviously as stated didnt agree with the scoring error ruling on my game but have to respect their decision be it right or wrong.
You didnt have to register for the pairs on the Sunday which saw some players getting a couple of walkovers where byes and no show from opponents. That senario could have been easily avoided.
Felt sorry for those players who entered the singles events not knowing the finals would be switched to the Sunday thus having to stay an extra night and book another flight. I can understand the need and value of having Eurosport show these events for the players, organisations and spectators but surely the tv deals should be sorted further in advance to avoid any possible issues or extra costs for the players.
On the whole was well run but like my darts performance...could do better.
And finally the venue Bellini^s in Newry, Co. Down. Great venue, beer and food prices very reasonable, quick service, nice food, very friendly and helpful staff.
Downside....very limited seating and tables in the darts area^s which makes it a long three days. The darts stands are good but some light fittings on some boards loose and moved about.
Taking away the seating/table issue very good venue indeed.
As i have previously stated i will be totally honest and straight in my opinions and the first bit of feedback must come the events i played in and the way i played and im afraid it wasnt great.
Friday night was the Mixed Triples event playing with Aeron Elias and Julie ^Leahy^ Hunter both from Ireland and we went out 3-1 in the first round. Must admit triples, all throwing in succession, isnt my favourite event and played ok but as a triple we didnt perform well. All three of us very dissapointed and knowing can and should have played better.
It was the turn of the Individuals on day two and had a 12.30pm match time which i like.
In the best of 7 leg format went 2-0 down after a scoring error saw my opponent finish the leg only scoring 461.
Basically the marker put a first score for my opponent in leg two of 60 and deducted 100. This was brought to my attention by someone watching the game later on in the leg. On informing the marker and my opponent that the error had occured they said it couldnt be changed as more than 6 darts by each player had been thrown after the error. Never heard that one before but after checking with the officials they said the same so had to accept the decision.
At 2-0 down i went out in 15 and 18 darts to level the match then managed to miss 9 darts at a double to go 3-2 up.
My opponent then went out to win leg 6 with me still cursing missed doubles and the scoring error.
Day three was the Pairs with Aeron and again a first round exit going down 3-0 to Jamie Hughes and Micky Stocks who then went on to get beat in the final. Both Jamie & Micky played very well leaving us in the distance.
Reflection....i need to focus on my own game, follow my own routine and will be so glad to get my back room sorted at home and practice board up. Since Ghent not had time to practice with moving and work commitments and its something i deffo need to do.
Travel is often one way you can save money and we^ve found a money saving tip for next years Northern Ireland Open if it is held in Newry. We flew from Leeds/Bradford into Belfast City using Flybe, last flight back was 18.50.
Had we flown with Ryanair into Dublin we could have saved ourselves £60 to £70 each and the travel time from Dublin and Belfast City to Newry is approximately the same. Another benefit it the last flight from Dublin back to Leeds/Bradford is around 21.00.
Dont forget though, should you decide to fly into Dublin you will need a passport.
My views on the organisation. Obviously as stated didnt agree with the scoring error ruling on my game but have to respect their decision be it right or wrong.
You didnt have to register for the pairs on the Sunday which saw some players getting a couple of walkovers where byes and no show from opponents. That senario could have been easily avoided.
Felt sorry for those players who entered the singles events not knowing the finals would be switched to the Sunday thus having to stay an extra night and book another flight. I can understand the need and value of having Eurosport show these events for the players, organisations and spectators but surely the tv deals should be sorted further in advance to avoid any possible issues or extra costs for the players.
On the whole was well run but like my darts performance...could do better.
And finally the venue Bellini^s in Newry, Co. Down. Great venue, beer and food prices very reasonable, quick service, nice food, very friendly and helpful staff.
Downside....very limited seating and tables in the darts area^s which makes it a long three days. The darts stands are good but some light fittings on some boards loose and moved about.
Taking away the seating/table issue very good venue indeed.