Although Roscommon Darts players returned from The Winmau World Masters in Bridlington with no silverware, great experience was gained from playing in the World famous event. All the mixed grill dinners I ate in The Southcliff Hotel were bloody lovely too!!
Martin tucking into a mixed grill - click image for the supersize meal.
Thursday's Lakeside Qualifiers were kindest to Mick Egan who after a deserved 2-0 win over fellow countryman Damien O Driscoll was defeated 2-0 by England's Sean Greatbatch (3-2 both sets). Both Sean and Martin Fleming were beaten in their first round games. Sean losing 2-1 Martin losing 2-0. Both played decently. As Thursday's Qualifiers came to a close, Donegal's Martin McCloskey sealed his place in The Lakeside World Professional Darts Championships which take place next January.
Friday's Winmau World Masters seen similiar fortunes for Roscommon players. Martin Fleming won his first round match 3-0 and eased into round two where he was defeated 3-0 by Martin Atkins. Sean Fleming and Mick Egan were both beaten in their first encounters. Despite losing in the early stages of both events all three played well first time out. With high hopes of good progress prior to the tournament Thomas Concannon and Mark Finneran were both knocked out of the Youths Championship early on. Limerick's Connie Finnan was best of the Irish reaching the QF.
Lessons were learned at the qualifiers, and as has been said before, the difference is the quality of the finishing. Take your chances when you get them, and you will have every chance of a good run and appearing on the TV. Roll on next year!!
