THE RACE TO LAKESIDE 2016

800 players descend on Antwerp…

The race to compete at the longest-running and most watched World Professional Darts Championship continues this weekend when almost 800 players descend on Antwerp for the Winmau Belgium Open, where ranking points are on offer for the BDO Invitation Table.

Points count not only towards the BDO World Championship at the famous Lakeside Country Club but also towards the upcoming Winmau World Masters in October – so entrants have everything to play for in Belgium.

Currently leading the Men’s Invitation Table is in-form Glen Durrant, who has already qualified for Lakeside having reached the semi-finals this year, as have Martin Adams and reigning World Champion Scott Mitchell, who are also in the top four.

This weekend’s Belgium Open could see some real movement in the rankings with 29 of the top 32 in action along with many hoping to break into provisional qualifying spots. Players earning ranking points will receive between 5 and 35 points so there is real hope on offer for aspiring players as well as the chance for seasoned professionals to tighten their grip on a Lakeside place.

Belgium’s own Geert de Vos currently occupies third spot and will be looking to take victory on home soil.

The main events (Men’s, Women’s and Youth Singles) take place on Sunday.

21-year-old Fallon Sherrock is currently ranked as the Women’s world number one by virtue of a single point.

The Belgium Open marks the start of a busy period of ranking tournaments for Lakeside hopefuls to stake their claims for a prized place on the historic stage, with the Antwerp, Swedish and French Opens quickly following in August.

So watch this space and follow the progress of your favourite players as the race to Lakeside 2016 continues…