The blind pairs darts competition brought together players who were drawn at random to form partnerships, creating an unpredictable and competitive event from the very first throw. The preliminary round set the tone with a tight contest, as Rob Doran and Dale Thompson edged past Steve Crysell and John Cost 3-2 to earn their place in the next round.
In the second round, the competition gathered pace with four matches deciding the semi-final line-up. Kev Parsons and Mike Berntsen came through a close 3-2 win against Andy Jurd and Stewart Clackson, while Steve Jordan and Graham Howard recorded a 3-1 victory over Sam Ellis and Billy Brett. Dave Moule and Rob Hayes produced one of the most convincing performances of the round, beating Charlotte Burgess and Sean Crysell 3-0. Colin Denyer and Ian Cairns also progressed, ending the run of Rob Doran and Dale Thompson with a 3-1 win.
The semi-finals delivered a mix of drama and dominance. Steve Jordan and Graham Howard were pushed all the way by Kev Parsons and Mike Berntsen before taking a 3-2 victory to reach the final. On the other side of the draw, Dave Moule and Rob Hayes continued their strong form with another 3-0 win, this time against Colin Denyer and Ian Cairns, setting up a final against Jordan and Howard.
In the final, Dave Moule and Rob Hayes carried their momentum through to the finish, defeating Steve Jordan and Graham Howard 4-1 to become the blind pairs champions. Their route to the title was impressive, dropping just one leg across the second round, semi-final, and final, and they finished the event as worthy winners after a strong and consistent run.
Steve Jordan and Graham Howard averaged 64.75 across five legs of 601, hitting eight ton-plus scores. Dave Moule and Rob Hayes averaged slightly higher at 67.92, but it was their opening nine darts that proved decisive. With an average of 76.6 in the early exchanges, they were able to get ahead in the opening stages of each leg. They also recorded seven ton-plus scores and a 180, with their highest checkout of the final coming from a 70 finish in three darts. Their fastest leg came in 22 darts, giving them a 27.32 average for that leg.
Thanks also go to the Wolversdene for their continued support and for hosting the competition in the Hayward Suite.
As it happened:
Pre-Lim
- Rob Doran & Dale Thompson beat Steve Crysell & John Cost 3-2
2nd Round
- Kev Parsons & Mike Berntsen beat Andy Jurd & Stewart Clackson 3-2
- Steve Jordan & Graham Howard beat Sam Ellis & Billy Brett 3-1
- Dave Moule & Rob Hayes beat Charlotte Burgess & Sean Crysell 3-0
- Colin Denyer & Ian Cairns beat Rob Doran & Dale Thompson 3-1
Semi-Finals
- Steve Jordan & Graham Howard beat Kev Parsons & Mike Berntsen 3-2
- Dave Moule & Rob Hayes beat Colin Denyer & Ian Cairns 3-0
Final
- Dave Moule & Rob Hayes beat Steve Jordan & Graham Howard 4-1
