Darts stars heading to Valley for Charlton Masters (From News Shopper)

Darts stars heading to Valley for Charlton Masters

9:00am Wednesday 23rd May 2012 in Other Sport By Paul Green

THE Valley has played host to many thrilling spectacles over the years as the Addicks have won titles, promotions and enjoyed memorable wins in the top flight.

But the famous home of Charlton Athletic will be staging a different kind of sporting extravaganza in July when the first ever Charlton Masters darts contest takes place.

Four qualifiers have already won the right to take on the darting might of five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld, world number three James Wade, Simon Whitlock and Mark Webster in SE7 on July 19.

And proceedings will be overseen by a familiar south-east London face, as local landlord and former world champion Andy ‘The Viking’ Fordham acts as MC on the night.

Millwall fan Fordham may well be entering enemy territory but can’t wait for the big night and is urging Addicks and Lions supporters to turn out in equal numbers.

He said: “The facilities at Charlton are fantastic but we want everyone to come along.

“You are going to have four qualifiers who are going to come on the stage with the girls and be cheered on by their friends and family.

“I used to come down here when I was a kid with Derek Hales and Mike Flanagan were here but then I changed my mind when I got a bit older.”

And Dutch ace van Barneveld also believes darts has great appeal to football supporters as a spectating event.

“I think a lot of football fans enjoy watching darts,” he said.

“Darts is the second most watched sport in the country after football and a lot of football players are big darts fans, especially ones I know from Holland.

“Not everyone can get tickets for the Premier League darts fixtures because they sell out quite quickly, so we are doing these nights across the UK to give other people a chance to not only to see us but play against us as well.

“No matter what kind of event I take part in, whether it is a tournament or an exhibition, I always want to win.

“I never underestimate any opponent and when I play the qualifier at The Valley I will assume he is a good player otherwise he wouldn’t be here.”

Tickets for the Charlton Masters on July 19 cost £60 for the VIP area, £38 for the gold area and £28 for the silver area and can be purchased online at dartshop.tv

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