For the first time, the Malaysian darts scene on Thursday (Sept 3) will see a league type of structure being introduced for Malaysian darters.
The Selangor Darts Association (Seda) will start its Selangor Premier League team competition, the first of its kind in the country, with the main aim of unearthing new talents in the country and also introducing a solid high-tier competition for darters in the country.
Seda, after introducing the international tournament, the Selangor Open Darts Championships, which is among the top-rated tournaments in the country, it has gone a step further in pushing the image and the standard of the sport in the state.
For the record, the Selangor Open is also an international Bronze tournament in the World Darts Federation calendar.
As for the first-ever darts league in Malaysia, the best team and winner of the competition will walk away with RM2,000. The other prize breakdown is RM800 (second placing), RM600 (third), RM400 (fourth), RM300 (fifth), RM250 (sixth), RM150 (seventh) and RM100 (eighth).
The tournament will be hosted by Altis Restaurant and Bistro in Kelana Jaya. The tournament will begin with four matches between the clubs, and it will start at 9pm.
"I also like to thank Seda for bringing the tournament to Altis. We will ensure the venue offers darters the best facilities for the tournament," said Thambirajan.
The league format, which is open to all darters in the country, and both men and women can play for the team that is competing in the league.
"It is a one-game league format (which means that each team in the league will play each other only once). All matches will be taking place at the Altis in Kelana Jaya and will be played every Thursday and Friday," said Selangor Darts Association president C. Pathmanathan.
"It is indeed a proud achievement for the association. This kind of tournament is the first of its kind, and we are hoping youngsters will be taking part in the tournament as they are the future of the sport.
"We already have 11 teams confirmed for the tournament. Closing date for entries is Aug 31, and we are hoping at least 15 teams take part in the tournament," added Pathmanathan.
The much-anticipated team event is expected to feature men and women darters forming their sides and playing a foursomes match, two doubles ties and four singles clashes. Each team is allowed a maximum of six players but can also register a minimum side of four players.
The duration of the tournament is in September and October. The aim was for 16 teams, but Pathmanathan said Seda would be happy with 15 for a start as the tournaments kick off for the first time on Sept 3.
Already confirmed teams for the tournament until Aug 25 are: Royal Selangor Club, Altis Warriors, Altis Ascent, Darts Mekanix, Strokers, PJ Club, Black Widow X, Black Widow Y, Compressor Pointer, Guns N Roses and Qudrat.
For further information contact: Pathmanathan (012-343 1010), Saegaran (012-3132663), Masrul (011-32712808) or Michael Suresh (012-2144224).
In a further move to strengthen their development programmes, Seda will also begin their only singles competition - Top 16, Open and Youth (Under-23) events. This competition is exclusively for their members in Selangor. The association is now actively looking for young and talented darters to compete in the tournament.
Pathmanathan said that Seda will soon reveal the details of the competition, and its main target is to make sure they have a strong pool of players for local and international competitions.
