Giving darts players a shot at the big league
Cape players bring their A-game
Strandfontein’s Cameron “The Javelin” Carolissen showed his skill at the African Dart Group’s (ADG) national championships in Gqeberha at the weekend, to take home the title and win the 720 Order of Merit points together with a sizeable cash prize.
ADG hosted three events on their busy calendar, including the final leg of the African Continental Tour with players from Botswana, George, Kimberley, Gauteng and Cape Town, competing for the title and Order of Merit points.
Carolissen, along with fellow Cape Town player, friend and rival, Graham Filby, from Grassy Park, flew the flag for the Mother City in the senior division. Carolissen swept past his opponents in the knockout stage of the competition, taking out Filby, and Brian Marisa from Botswana.
In the semi-finals he took on Deon Filander from the Panthers Franchise, beating him 7-3 to progress to the finals against Gauteng contender, Carl Gabriel.
Gabriel started the game well by taking Carolissen’s throw and by the fourth game was leading 3-1. However, Carolissen kept his composure and proceeded to win a highly contested final 8-3 with a dart average of 82.53, to claim his fifth win in six outings of the African Continental Tour and secure his place at the PDC World Cup taking place in Germany in June.
In the youth division, the talented trio, Rocklands High matriculant Tylor Shears, 18, from Westridge, Caleb Cockrell, 17, from Kraaifontein and Kendrick Koordom, 18, from Macassar, competed against youth players from Gqeberha, Kimberley and Botswana.
Caleb played a fantastic game against the defending champion Stefan Vermaak in the quarter-finals, leaving him on a double to square up the game, however, Vermaak’s experience ensured his place in the semi-finals where he faced Tylor.
Tylor had his game face on and swept past Vermaak, winning 5-3. In the other semi-finals, Kendrick faced hometown boy Diego Finnis, also showing his experience and strength by taking the game 5-3.
Ultimately, Tylor and Kendrick faced off in a humdinger final.
Tylor Shears drew the first blood, Kendrick squaring it up 1-1. Kendrick then broke Tylor’s throw making it 2-1. From there Kendrick dominated the game eventually winning 6-2 and securing his spot at the PDC World Youth Championship taking place in the UK in October.
From humble beginnings to the world stage, this young player has his sights firmly set on the UK and how it will be a life changing experience.
Established by former Portland resident and professional darts player Devon Petersen, the African Darts Group is on a mission to change the face of the game at home and beyond our borders, with the primary objective of promoting and advancing the game of darts across the African continent.
“One of the key aspects of ADG’s work is organising tournaments and competitions throughout Africa. These events bring together top dart players from across the continent, offering them an opportunity to compete against each other and elevate their game. ADG tournaments often feature a combination of local talent and international players, creating a diverse and competitive atmosphere,” said Petersen.
More importantly, he said, ADG actively promotes grassroots participation in darts by organising community events, youth programmes, and development initiatives, such as the Devon Petersen Darts Academy and under-21 Aspirational Tour.
“By focusing on grassroots efforts, the organisation aims to identify and nurture young talent, ensuring the future of the sport in Africa,” he said.
“The platform for our sport to the international opportunities have never been greater. Its the reason we work so hard at ADG to ensure that every player has an opportunity to live their darting dream. It wasn't available when I was making my way, but I will ensure that African players rise and get the recognition they deserve,” he said.
