Darts:
On target against top darts star

A DARTS fan from Rugby enjoyed a unique sporting experience after winning the chance to test his skills against world darts ace Simon Whitlock.

Nigel Denton, who lives in Hillmorton, proved himself a star of the oche during the Leyland Paints Darts Challenge at the National Painting and Decorating Show at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

Qualifying sessions were held each hour during the two-day show, with the winner taking on world number four Whitlock over a leg of 301.

Nigel’s score of 204 with nine darts saw him win the right to play 2012 European Champion Whitlock.

And, while the ‘Wizard of Oz’ proved too strong, Nigel - who plays in the Thursday night Rugby and District Darts League for Dunchurch - acquitted himself well.

“It was a fantastic experience to play Simon and I really enjoyed the Leyland Paints Darts Challenge,” said Nigel, who has his own painting and decorating business in the Rugby area.

“I was a little bit nervous but it was a real honour. The Leyland Paints challenge is a fantastic format.”

Australian-born Whitlock and former world champion Mark Webster have been sponsored by Leyland Paints for the last two years.

Leyland Paints was founded in 1922 and has a long and distinguished history as a manufacturer and supplier of decorative paints, particularly targeted at tradesmen.

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