RICH Corner produced legs of 17, 19 and 20 to beat Chris Thompson (19) 3-1 in the board final in the opening qualifier of the John Smith's-sponsored £1,000 York Individual Darts Competition.

Thompson had produced legs of 17, 15, 12, 15, 15, 18, 18, 18 and a 124 finish, and Corner 12, 17, 11, 17, 12, 17, 19 to reach the final in the top half of the draw.

Mark Chamberlain (20, 20, 19) beat Dave Kerr (20) in the second board final having earlier thrown 14, 17, 18 and 19. Kerr had thrown 19, 19, 18 and a 180.

The second qualifier takes place tonight at the Crescent WMC. Players to register by 8.15pm. Details from Neil at the club on 01904 622510.

Shepherds continued their promising start to the John Smith's Men's Darts League with a 6-3 win over Flag A'. Shep's best were Heath Scaife (180 for 17), Kev Walton (180 for 18, 19), Chas Ramsden (19) and Mark Jones (180).

Crescent A's Bob Lee included a 171 score but his team lost 6-3 to Flag B' whose best were Graham Hudson (180 for 21) and Mick Holdsworth (20). Rose's Lawrie Morgan (bull finish for 21), Graham Wilkinson (21), Jason Addinall (19), Mark Addinall (15) and Ben Coleman (180) ensured a 6-3 win over Fulfordgate (15), despite the efforts of John Mooring (14, 19) and Steve Swithenbank (180).