Over 200 players to compete in Nakuru event

Pink Flamingo Franchise's Millicent Wangui in action. [Ben Ahenda]

Over 200 players from Kenya and Uganda converge for the lucrative Crown Jewels Darts Festivals at Royal Spring Hotel in Nakuru city on Saturday.

Expected in the mouthwatering two-day competition is Nakuru Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) champion Robert Ochieng’ of Uganda with his compatriot Juma Said and a host of experienced Kenyan darters comprising of the likes of national champions Wilson Kaimenyi, Selina Sakawa and Millicent Wangui, among others.

Players from local top clubs like Jacaranda Sports Grill, Nairobi Stima and Mount Kenya region are expected to feature in the tournament. This is according to tournament’s coordinator Simon Muhia.

“We expect top players from the East African countries of Kenya and Uganda in what should provide us as the biggest platform for darters to exhibit their talents in the fight for top honours,” Muhia told reporters yesterday.

Royal Darts Club Secretary General David Githaiga also confirmed having received foreign confirmations from Uganda darters.

A total of Sh300,000 in prize money are to be won by different players in different categories in one of the biggest tournaments in the region in the recent past.

The top male winner will walk home with Sh50,000 with the female counterpart raking in Sh20,000. The cash prizes will cascade downwards up-to the last 64 players in the championships.

While calling on all players from the country to come for the event, Royal Spring Darts Club patron Benson Mwangi Wangai promised competitors to be ready for a competitive tournament.

“Come and compete and see what we have been made of. We’ll not underrate you but be ready for a duel,” said Wangai.

Wangai said they are looking forward to hosting the event annually.

“Everything here will be affordable from the time all players get to the premises of the championships,” he said.