RILEYS SMASH RECORD FOR UK OPEN QUALIFIERS
Rileys has seen a ‘world record’ number of entries to this year’s qualifiers for the Speedy Services UK Open.
An impressive record of nearly 2,500 players – an increase of over 500 entrants on last year - will compete in Rileys Qualifiers over the next month in a bid to win one of 32 places to the UK Open finals in June.
The Rileys Qualifiers, a series of knockout events held in Rileys Darts Zones around the UK, offer amateur darts players a chance to take on professionals like Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld and reigning Speedy Services UK Open champion James Wade at the Sky Sports-televised finals in Bolton.
Maurice Kelly, Chief Executive of Rileys Sports Bars, said: “We are over the moon to see so many interested in the Rileys Qualifiers, especially to hit such a record high number.
“This is the third year we have provided qualifying events for the UK open and the response is getting better and better. Last year we saw the amateur prize money total £18,000, with two quarter finalists. This proves that these qualifiers are the perfect opportunity for amateur players to get a chance to play the big stage.”
The qualifiers kicked off at the weekend, with 11 amateur players booking their spot in the finals starting June 7. The big story of the weekend came from Rileys Victoria in London where former finalist Shayne Burgess won the chance to return to the Reebok. Burgess, who was the runner-up to Phil Taylor in 2003, last competed in the UK Open in 2006 but is back with a bang after defeating Paul Legg 4-3 on Sunday.
The qualifiers are: Mark Layton (Cardiff qualifier), Kevin Simm (Chester qualifier), Jamie Robinson (Colchester qualifier), Jamie Ellam (Lincoln qualifer), Glen Durrant (Middlesbrough qualifier), Andy Parsons (Bristol qualifier), Dan Russell (Gillingham qualifier), Tom Gregory (Hull qualifier), Shayne Burgess (London Victoria qualifier), Tony Cooper (Manchester Chorton qualifier), David Dodds (Sunderland qualifier).
The next batch of qualifiers take place May 5 and May 6. For more information on dates and venues, visit our Rileys Tournaments page.
We want to wish the best of luck to all our entrants this year!