September 2023 – Darts Update

Last month Hamilton hosted the Masters featuring most of the world’s top players and six locals including our own Kayden Milne.

Although Kayden played well, he was beaten by Nathen Aspinall who went on to lose the final. Two locals however went on to win on the first night, Haupai Puha and Jonny Tata both playing very well. It was a great event to be at with fantastic vibes and highly recommend it. It might be coming to Christchurch next year; we will keep you informed.

The following week was the 56th Nationals held at Porirua with the mixed pairs on Wednesday. Two of our pairs made it to the last 32 and Sarah and Jordan to the last eight and Lee and Kayden the last four, so a good start for the week. That night, Kayden was in the youth final and won it again. That’s NZ youth champion three years straight.

The next day was men’s and ladies’ pairs, and all teams qualified but didn’t progress. Friday was the Ladies singles with a similar result, so to the last day and the men’s singles and a day of drama.

Hornby has been attending this tournament for 55 years and has never won a singles event so when the texts started arriving it got exciting and at the end of the day our Kayden was in the final. He had to beat Shane Battock from Upper Hutt, and win he did 6/ 3 so that bogie is off our backs.

A few days later Kayden is off to England for the World Youth Champs again. He attended this last year, so he knows what’s going on and he’s going with some great form so good luck. Kayden is only 23 and has a bright future but didn’t get to the last 32, so who knows how far he can go in this great sport. The finals are to be played at the end of November between Gian Van Veen and Luke Littler so two names to watch in the future. Kayden is very grateful for the support he has received from the Hornby club.

Yours at Tops

JP