Dominating para darts on way to worlds
ON TARGET: The Masterton Para Darts tournament saw 11 dart playrs vie to qualify for the World Championships. Photo supplied
Alisha McLennan
Eastern Bay darts player Paul Steventon is well on his way after winning both days of the Masterton Para Darts tournament, bumping him up in the worldwide Para Darts rankings.
Club Wairarapa held the fourth New Zealand Para Darts tournament earlier this month, where 11 para darts players competed to qualify for the world championships and raise their rankings.
Steventon, who has already qualified for worlds at previous tournaments, was unbeatable throughout the weekend.
He said by the second day, everyone was “gunning” for him.
“They were pulling out their absolute best,” he said.
Still, Steventon came out on top, earning himself 180 ranking points.
Before the tournament, Steventon ranked 27th, now he is ranked 12th in the world.
He is still fundraising to travel to the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in October – the only New Zealander to qualify for the standing division in para darts.
He is raffling 22 shirts from New Zealand’s top darts players for those who donate $25 or more towards the cause.
Because he has won multiple tournaments, and New Zealand has limited ranking tournaments, two wildcard darts players will be selected to compete alongside Steventon in the competition.
“It’s a bit hard for New Zealand. We only have four ranking tournaments, and the closest tournament to us is Egypt, so there’s a limited opportunity for points.
“In New Zealand, you have to win everything to qualify.”
The recent win has supported Steventon’s confidence as he prepares for the worlds.
“I’m still going to go through and win it,” he said.
Rob Gillan won the wheelchair division and will also represent New Zealand at the Worlds.
The New Zealand team will additionally be competing in the Turkish Open tournament, held at the same venue four days’ prior.
Steventon said he had a few more competitions to hone his skills in the lead up to the World Championships.
To support his trip to the world championships, see his Facebook page, Paul Steventon, or his Givealittle – “Quest to become World Champion Para Darts Player”.