Wes dodges ‘The Bullet’ in epic final

TAKING AIM: The boards are kept busy in the early rounds of the Oldham darts open at Tara Sports and Leisure.

DARTS: AS Blackpool were celebrating promotion to the Barclays Premier League, Wes ‘Av It’ Newton, who was born in the seaside town, was toasting Oldham darts open glory at Tara Sports and Leisure.

The 32-year-old repelled a late rally from Steve ‘The Bullet’ Bunting to win 5-4 and pick up a cheque for £1,000.

Newton, who is ranked 25th in the PDC rankings, went 3-0 ahead, only for his opponent to clinch the next two legs in the best of nine final.

Bunting’s charge was halted momentarily in the sixth leg, but the contest was soon all-square at 4-4.

But Newton, who reached round two of the 2010 PDC World Championships, kept his cool in stifling heat to clinch the decider.

Newton averaged 103.98 for every three darts while Bunting (St Helens), who is a member of the BDO, recorded 101.25.

There was double disappointment for Huddersfield in the semi-finals.

Ady Newsholme lost 4-0 to the eventual champion and Scott Waites was beaten 4-3 in the other last four tie.

Although the top honours eluded Oldham on the day, the town did have cause for celebration.

John Moreton won the first round plate competition — he defeated David Walmsley 2-1 in the final — while Stuart Holden and Lee Williams teamed up to land the pairs event. They overcame Bunting and Robbie Green 3-2.




ORGANISERS were delighted with the turn-out of 141 players.