Darts fans on the oche for Grand Slam

Superstars of the sport stepped up to the oche to launch this year's Grand Slam of Darts at the city's Civic Hall, and once again supporters were attracted from far and wide.

The atmosphere bubbled as fans got set for thrills from legends including Raymond van Barneveld and Simon Whitlock, and the bumper crowd roared home favourite Jamie 'Yozza' Hughes.

Optimistic Jack Cooksey, 30, was there to support lifelong friend Hughes, who only became a dad for the second time on Friday.

The part-time welder from Tipton said: "I've known him for years, we played football together, went to school together and I'm here to support him. Come on Jamie!"

He added: "There is going to be some noise behind him. There are some big names here but nothing's going to scare him. It's only five legs, that's all you've got to think about. Anyone can win."

Jason Wright took his partner Tina Squires for her first-ever Grand Slam experience.

The Bilston pair arrived hand-in-hand, and when bald Jason was asked what Tina should expect from the event, he said: "Lots of beer and a great atmosphere.

"You will have fun, fun and lots more fun."

The 43-year-old, who makes fire extinguishers for a living, was hoping Tipton's Hughes could upset the bookies and walk away with the crown, but couldn't see past a van Gerwen victory.

He said: "It's got to be Michael hasn't it? He's on fire at the moment.

He added: "You've got to support your local lad haven't you?"

Tina, a 41-year-old bookkeeper, added: "I haven't got a clue who will win, I'll cheer on anyone with a bald head."

John and Laura Belcher, from Wordsley, were joined by friends and family at the event.

Asked why they were attending, John, 34, a master data analyst, said: "It's a great atmosphere." Laura added: "We come every year."

The pair were supporting flamboyant Scottish star Peter Wright, famed for his flame-red mohican.

John said: "I'm backing Peter Wright to win, but it's probably going to be (Michael) van Gerwen."

Asked about local lad Jamie 'Yozza' Hughes' chances, Laura, a 32-year-old secretary, said: "I've only heard about him today. I've heard he's from Tipton so we'll be rooting for him as well."

She also admitted that if John turned up at home after work one day with an eccentric Wright hairstyle, she would go weak at the knees. She said: "It'd be amazing."

Pals Lisa Maddock and Sarah Dale, from Middlewich, Cheshire, are huge darts fans and were excited to be in Wolverhampton for the showpiece competition.

Lisa, 42, a Bargain Booze assistant manager, has a soft spot for Stoke player and world number three Adrian Lewis, but was less enthused to see top-ranked Dutchman and reigning champion Michael van Gerwen.

She said: "I think Phil Taylor is going to win, or Michael van Gerwen. I hope it's Taylor or Adrian Lewis. When van Gerwen comes on I'm going for a long fag."

She added: "This is my third year, I love it.

"I just love the whole atmosphere, it's very friendly. I go to the darts all the time.

"I went to Blackpool (World Matchplay) in July. I go to as much as I can. The atmosphere is always really good, there's never any trouble."

Sarah, a 44-year-old hairdresser, added: "We shall be hitting the pubs later."

Tor Robbins, her husband Tim and their pal Debbie Bradley travelled from Shrewsbury for the marquee contest. The reason the trio bought tickets was because Tor said: "We came last year, it was fab.

"You just have lots of fun with your mates and do lots of drinking."

The 29-year-old teacher added: "And there's great merchandise you can buy as well which I will be getting."

She had a wager on bearded Aussie star Simon Whitlock scooping the trophy, while her husband Tim, a 31-year-old shop manager, fancied veteran Dutch darter Raymond van Barneveld to emerge triumphant.

Debbie, 29, an ambulance worker, didn't quite know who to root for. She said: "I've never been to the darts before in my life, but it will be fun."