Keith Deller will be putting past rivalry to one side as he teams up with former foe Eric Bristow in a unique darts event at Mildenhall Social Club.
It’s been 33-years since the Ipswich-based ace caused a major shock on the oche as he famously overcame Bristow in the 1983 World Championships to become the first-ever qualifier to win the title and one of the youngest champions in history.
But now the 56-year-old will be joining forces with the five-times World Professional Darts champion as they compete in the inaugural Bristow/Deller Open Pairs Darts Tournament on Sunday, September 18.
“All those years on from fighting each other for titles, we are now the best of buddies, it’s come full circle,” said Deller on the newly formed partnership.
“Although we have joined forces, that rivalry between us is definitely still there, we just moan at each other now.
“I’m in no doubt we will be trying to outdo one another and hopefully it should create quite the spectacle, it will certainly be interesting to watch.”
The tournament, open to any male, female or mixed darting duos, will see a maximum of 128 pairs battle it out in ‘straight in 501’ games over seven legs with an added incentive of a £1,000 windfall for the winners, £400 for the losing finalists and £100 for the highest placing women’s pair.
And with such lucrative rewards on offer, Deller is confident of attracting a strong calibre of entrants as he aims to establish the tournament in the coming years.
“With such great sponsorship and prizes on offer there should be some really talented pairs from all the country competing,” added Deller who down played his and Bristow’s chances of letting the title.
“I know we are both former world champions but by no means do I see as the favourites, there will be some really hungry boys playing some amazing darts.
“The prize fund is an amazing incentive and should prove a real draw to a lot of players.
“It will be a tough event to win but we are sure it will cause a lot of interest.
“Hopefully this tournament can become a real stand out event which would be great for the county.
“Eventually we would like to add some sponsorship and increase the prize fund to attract an even higher calibre of player.
“We are incredibly grateful to the likes of Greene King and Target Darts for their involvement and we’re excited to put on a great spectacle this year and then hopefully build from there.”
n Entry to the tournament will be £10 per pair. Anyone requiring more information about the event and how to enter can contact Mildenhall Social Club via email at msc@mildenhallsocialclub.co.uk or by telephone on 01638 712143.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here