Rich Corner ranked number-one for Open Darts Championship

The York man will go into Saturday’s contest at Huntington WMC as the top seed ahead of Malton’s Paul Bulmer and other talented contenders such as Acomb’s former World Championship qualifier Chris Thompson.

All players will register at 1pm for the tournament’s 2pm start with admission free for supporters.

A hog roast will also be served prior to the semi-finals.

The 31 players guaranteed a place in the competition are (from York unless stated): 1 Rich Corner, 2 Paul Bulmer (Malton), 3 John Quantock, 4 Chris Thompson, 5 Dave Smith (Leeds), 6 Colin Hendry (Ferrybridge), 7 Stuart Ireland (Stockton), 8 Jake Patchett (Hull), 9 Jamie Ellem (Barton), 10 Barry Ballaban (Bridlington), 11 Neil Hart, 12 Dave Kerr, 13 Keith Craggs (Scorton), 14 Dave Lord, 15 Trevor Holtby (Hull), 16 John Pickering, 17 Quentin McMaster, 18 Steve Atkin, 19 Lutz Leutzch (Germany), 20 Jonathan Crossland (Ferrybridge), 21 Ray McInally, 22 Paul Calpin, 23 Dave Scaum, 24 Cameron Spiller (Malton), 25 Oliver Mitchell (Scarborough), 26 Tommy Heron (Whitwell-on-the-Hill), 27 Mike Kearney, 28 Mark Greenley (Driffield), 29 Richard Bowes (Malton), 30 Gary Walmsley (Hull), 31 Richard Lee.

Three players, who were tied in the order of merit after the qualifying matches, will play off for the 32nd spot.

They are York pair Chris Baker and Mark Lea and Daniel Lidgett from Hull. All three must register at 12.30pm.

The Ladies Darts Championship will also be run concurrently with the men’s event with York’s Tracey Farmeary the top seed, followed by Denise Fowler, Roz Kerr, Lynn Clapham, Chez Fairclough and Jo Hodges.

Bridlington’s Sue Ballaban will play off against York pair Cindy Roberts and Kaz Richardson to contest the two remaining places to complete an eight-strong field. All ladies are asked to register at 1pm.

A ten per cent discount will also be available for anybody who uses Streamline Taxis (01904 656565) to attend or leave the event.