The Welsh Darts Organisation has been forced to move there historic event to England due to its traditional venue being permanently closed.
The well known WDF (World Darts Federation) event usually took place in Pontins Prestatyn in Denbighshire, however that venue has now permanently closed down after substantial financial losses.
Pontins Sand Bay, Weston-super-Mare, England, will now be the hosts of this year’s Welsh Open. The tournament itself will be played from the 28th to the 31st of August.
In its fifty one year history the tournament has never taken place outside of Wales. The tournament itself has taken place in Ebbw Vale, Caerphilly and Butlin’s Barry Island.
When in 1987 the tournament was moved to Pontins in Prestatyn where it would be the home of the tournament for 36 years.
Gwent Darts Chairman and PDC player Nick Kenny states: “Its brilliant that the Welsh Darts Organisation managed to secure a venue for 2024.
“Albeit it’s in Weston-super-Mare, contractual issues with Pontins meant it had to be played at one of their sites, and there isn’t another in Wales.
“The team have done brilliantly to arrange an alternative and for us southerners, it saves the 4 hour journey to Prestatyn”, he added.
Kenny continued and said: “Ideally we would like it to return to Wales in 2025, however I’m glad it’s on for 2024.
“With the uncertainty of the event going ahead and dates, people can now start booking, overseas players can arrange travel also.
“The site looks very good and is right on the seafront in the middle of the summer, so fingers crossed for a great weekend”, he added.
This will be the tournament’s 51st anniversary and it still remains a huge event for players across Wales, Kenny stated: “The Welsh Open is the flagship event for Welsh Darts and also the main source of income.
“For the seven Welsh Counties, this is the weekend of the Welsh Intercounty Championships for both Men and Women and the chance to take home a title.
“The income generated from the event is the main funding for the International sides which include Men’s , Women’s, Boys and Girls.
“All four team’s attend the British International Championships each year against England and Scotland”, he added.
Nick Kenny stated: “Sunday is the main event for all attending with the WDF ranked Welsh Open.
“Holding this event is crucial for Welsh Darts and not holding it would be somewhat of a disaster for the organisation”.
Last year saw both Andy Davidson and Beau Greaves both win their respective tournaments and youngsters Jack Nankervis and Paige Pauling claimed the boys and girls titles respectively.
When talking about his favourite moments at the Welsh Open, Kenny said: “I have so many memories from the Welsh Open and could write a book about my experiences, laughs, wins, losses.
“2008 as a 15 year old, I got picked for Gwent and won 5 out of my 6 intercounty matches.
“Gwent won the title for the first time in its history and I beat 2 Welsh internationals.
“That weekend I lost to Martin Atkins who was a Lakeside regular in the first game but enjoyed the experience, in the youth I drew Shaun Griffiths who was the best player in the world for many years as an under 18.
“My Favourite player, Gary Anderson won the Mens title beating Mark Webster in the Final. The whole weekend was class from start to finish.
“2011 we won the championship again with my Dad (Mike Kenny) as the team manager and most recent 2023 managing the team myself.
“Myself and Sam Cankett lost out in the final of the pairs on one occasion.
“The best I achieved in the singles was a last 32”, Kenny concluded.
When talking about why this should be a must visit tournament, Kenny insisted: “I will always attend these events, but I am unable to play due to PDC rulings and for me now playing for the county is my personal highlight.
“I would recommend to anyone who loves playing darts and watching to attend the Welsh Open if they can.”
Words By Harry Tovey
HTSPORTSNEWS 