World darts champ to take on island&’s best

PHUKET: British darts legend John Lowe is in Phuket and has thrown down the gauntlet to the island’s players to “send me your champion”. Four bars on the island – Heroes in Patong, the Whispering Cock in Cherng Talay, Duncan’s in Phuket Town and the Anchor Bar in Kata – are hosting preliminary rounds this week to sort out who their best player is. Once identified, the four challengers will play off against each other at The Courtyard this Friday evening, with games of 501 deciding who gets the right to play the former world champ immediately after. Realistically, the local boys’ chances must be viewed as poor, as Mr Lowe is the only sportsman in the world to have been a world champion in three different decades – the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Following the big match Mr Lowe will put on an exhibition of his skills. His long-time friend David Brookes, of the Phuket Island Bar in Soi Sea Pearl, Patong, explained, “The show lasts a couple of hours at least. It’s a great show.” For tickets to the event, call 076-264486.