Darren's a darts dazzler

A young Shropshire darter has been handed the chance to mix it with 13-times world champion Phil Taylor, Raymond Van Barneveld and other greats of the oche for the whole of 2009.

Darren Whittingham, of Market Drayton, has been identified as one of eight potential stars of the future and was selected to compete in the inaugural New Kids on the Oche tournament at Crondon Park in Essex.

The event took place last week, but 17-year-old Whittingham has been sworn to secrecy with the event due to be screened on television in December.

But there was no shortage of incentive for the eight contestants with the winner of the tournament having his entry fees paid for all Professional Darts Corporation tournaments next year, a prize worth over £4,000.

"I'm not allowed to say how I got on but it was a really good tournament to be involved in," said Whittingham.

"Phil Taylor was commentating and also came to speak to us and give us a few tips which was fantastic."

Former Grove School pupil Whittingham took up darts just three years ago and plays for table-topping Sandbrook Vaults in the Market Drayton League.

He also competes in the same Stoke Super League as Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Andy Hamilton, who Whittingham lost 3-1 to when the pair met.

Higher

The talented youngster has elected to play for Staffordshire rather than Shropshire in the BDO inter-counties as they play at a higher level, and has been a regular in PDC Pro Tour events since March.

"I think playing against the pros for the last few months has really brought my game on and I'm a much better player for it," he said.

"I've lost in the first round in quite a few of the tournaments, but it's been a good experience.

"I've played against the likes of Chris Mason and Mark Walsh but a lot of the games have been very close and I've lost a lot 3-2."

The New Kids on the Oche Tournament will be shown on Nuts TV between December 9 and 12 from 9pm each night.

But before then, Whittingham has a huge date in his diary in the county when he competes in PDC World Championship qualifying which will be staged at Telford's International Centre on December 6.

By JAMES GARRISON