2026 Kirkwall Open
Champ L to R: J.W Gray & co. General Manager Scott Burns presents 2026 Tennents Kirkwall Open Champion Aidan Halley from Stirling with his trophy
The Tennent's Kirkwall Open (sponsonred by J.W Gray & co.) weekend began on Friday evening in the Masonic with the warm-up singles competition, which is now in its third year and continues to be a popular event for those travelling up or down to Orkney. With guaranteed prizes of £100 for the winner, £50 for the runner-up and £25 each of the losing semi-finalists, it was great to see 35 folk taking part.
Of the few ladies who entered it was birthday girl Lizzie Irvine who got the furthest by reaching the quarter finals. Locals Brett Dickinson and Bruce Moar were the only Orcadians still flying the flag by the semi-finals but it was Bruce who won their clash by 4 legs to 3. The other semi-final saw Shetland's Ryan Inkster triumph by the same score over Stirling's Jamie Hearns.
Ryan started the final in cracking form, with Bruce struggling to find his best, and soon built up a sizeable lead. Bruce had a mini-revival at one point before Ryan stepped on the gas to win 5-2.
Then on Saturday afternoon it was time for the main show, the Tennent's Kirkwall Open, which is now into it's 16th year as an event. Before play began, KDDL President Robbie Norquoy presented long standing committee member Craig Taylor with an engraved silver quaich and a bottle of his favourite tipple on behalf of the KDDL in recognition of his 30 years service to the league, 18 of which he served as President before stepping down to become an ordinary committee member, if there is such a thing! Craig's wife or”darts widow” Senga was presented with a bouquet of flowers.
Sizeable numbers were attracted from further afield such as Stirling, Caithness, Shetland and the Western Isles, all trying to pry the title away from Orcadian hands, which had never released their grip on the trophy since it began. A few local favourites in the form of Robbie Stanger, Bruce Moar and Stevie Linklater were noticably absent and, when one of this season's top performers in the KDDL, Brett Dickinson, was the first player knocked out of the competition, there was a feeling in the venue of impending doom that the Orkney streak may be coming to an end.
It was a strange day as there are usually one or two standout performers who shine much brighter than the rest and invariably make the final but nobody on the day was particularly catching the eye. Dampening the chances of there being a local winner once again there was a tasty clash of past champions in the last 32, when the previos two victors, two-times winner Brian Moar and four-time winner and defending champion Kevin Gray, locked horns. Despite taking an early lead and having the vocal backing of almost everyone immediately around them, Kevin failed to take advantage of his opportunities as Brian won out 3-1.
By this point the last of the female and 'B'/'C' league players had exited the competition at the last 32 stage and there would be a play-off to decide the destination of each trophy and the £100 prize that accompanied them. The furthest lady prize went to Lauren Dohrn who defeated Hazel Firth 2-1, and the furthest 'B'/'C' prize went to recent KDDL Orkney intercounty player Jamie Drever from the 'B' league with a 3-0 win over 'C' league player Jacob Urgias.
By the quarter-final stage five Orcadians remained but wins for Ian Linklater, Aidan Halley, Wayne Monkman and Ryan Inkster over Brian Moar, Jamie Marwick, Jim Brown and Frank Watt respectively reduced that number to just two.
Aidan Halley began his semi-final with Ian Linkater in determined fashion and took an early 2 leg lead. Ian produced a sublime 154 checkout under immense pressure to halve the deficit before drawing level. Chances at double were missed by the Quoyloo man and the boy from Stirling was not in a forgiving mood as he checked out twice more to reach the final with a 4-2 win.
Over on the other board the match was progressing at a slower pace, so by the time the other semi had finished, the entire crowd were able to turn their attention to it. There were loud cheers on both occasions when Wayne manged to check out a leg, but ultimately Ryan Inkster would win through with another 4-2 victory and in doing so ensured that the title of Kirkwall Open Champion would be leaving Orkney shores for the first time.
And so, after 8 hours of play, the final would be a battle between Aidan Halley from Stirling and Ryan Inkster from Shetland. Much was expected of the clash but in truth the start was extremely poor from both, with averages dropping shy of the 50 point mark in the initial legs, with Aidan taking a 3-1 lead in the race to five. A brace of 180s from Ryan helped in raising the averages as well as the standard from both and he rattled off three legs on the spin to move within touching distance of the prize. Cheered on by the remaining boys from Stirling, Aidan produced the best leg of the entire weekend to draw level at 4-4, with a 112 checkout rounding off a superb 12 dart leg. Aidan started the brightest in the deciding leg, but as he watched chances at the double go agonisingly close, it was beginning to look like lady luck may be shining on the Shetlander. Ryan approached the oche with 102 remaining and left himself a shot at tops with his third dart, which unfortunately missed by quite a margin, leaving Aidan to hit the same target and claim the £500 prize and title of 2026 Tennent's Kirkwall Open Champion.
Scott Burns the General Manager of the Kirkwall branch of J.W Gray & co. was on hand to present all prizewinners with their trophies.
The KDDL committee would like to thank the Masonic Club for hosting the event and keeping the athletes well hydrated, as well as Mitzi and her crew in the kitchen for keeping the participants well fueled. Thanks must also go to all the lads who helped in the running of the competition and enabled the committee to run it as well as compete themselves. And a massive thank you goes to the sponsorship from J.W Gray & co. and Tennents, without whom this competition would not be possible.
Results and prize money:
Furthest Lady (£100): Lauren Dohrn
Furthest B/C league player (£100): Jamie Drever
Quarter-finalists (£20): Brian Moar, Jamie Marwick, Jim Brown and Frank Watt.
Semi-finals: Aidan Halley 4, Bruce Moar (£50) 2
Ryan Inkster 4, Wayne Monkman (£50) 2
Final: Aidan Halley (£500) 5, Ryan Inkster (£200) 2
180s were scored by: Lewis Plank, Jamie Hearns, Erland Ritch, Jim Russell, John Bain, Kevin Gray, David Scott, Sandy Uttley, Kevin Sarling, Jim Brown, Alan Findlay (two), Roger Irvine (two), Wayne Monkman (two), Jamie Marwick (two), Davy Henderson (two), Aidan Halley (three), Brett Dickinson (three), Frank Watt (three), Stuart Paul (four) and Ryan Inkster (seven). Neil Redfern recorded scores of 171, 171 and 177.
High Checkouts: Brian Moar 100, Ryan Inkster 100, Neil Redfern 100, Colin Mitchell 106, Frank Watt 110, Craig Gilmore 111, Shane Rendall 112, Aidan Halley 112, Geordie Harcus 114, Brett Dickinson 121, Lewis Plank 127, Stevie Garner 129, Ian Linklater 154, David Bain 160 and Willie Plank 160.
Short Legs: Brett Dickinson 15, Frank Watt 15, Davy Henderson 15, David Bain 15, Ian Linklater 15, Neil Redfern 14, Erlend Lennie 14, Lewis Plank 14, George Low 14, Ryan Inkster 14, Colin Mitchell 13, Stuart Paul 13 and Aidan Halley 12.
2025 Kirkwall Open
Masonic Club, Kirkwall, Saturday, March 15
2024 Kirkwall Open
Saturday, March 9, 2024, Kirkwall Masonic Club
A huge thank you to everyone who came along to the JW Gray & Co Tennent’s Kirkwall Open.
Organised by the committee of Kirkwall & District Darts League, there were 106 entries, with players from Shetland to the Scottish Borders (making an epic drive yet again) joining local players from here in Orkney.
In total £1080 was won in prize money, with Brian Moar (£500) retaining the title he won last year, this time beating Wayne Monkman (£200) 5-4 in the final. Brian had beaten Bruce Moar in the semi, while Wayne beat Ramsay Hogg in his semi final.
The £100 for the furthest lady went to Irene Thomson, with the £100 for the furthest KDDL B player going to Jamie Drever.
Thanks to Scott Burns Kirkwall manager from sponsor JW Gray & Co who came along for the event and prize presentation. Huge thanks to Gray’s and Tennent’s for the continued support and the bar staff of the Masonic for hosting us, including Mitzi for keeping us all fed throughout the day.
More pictures, video and details can be found on the Orkney Darts Facebook page.
2023 Kirkwall Open
COVID-19 may have played havoc with the local darts scene for a couple of years, but on Saturday March 4 it felt as if darts had got over the final hurdle on the road to recovery with the J.W Gray & Co. Tennents Kirkwall Open taking place in the Masonic.
An unofficial money-in/money-out warm-up competition on the Friday evening attracted an entry of 32 players and culminated in a tremendous final, with local man Bruce Moar edging out recent Wick Open champion Lewis Plank by five legs to four.
But the big event came on the saturday with a fantastic number of 109 players entering, consisting of men and women from all over Orkney, joined by several sizeable groups from Shetland, the Borders and Stirlingshire. The mix of people made for a fantastic atmosphere and along with the lubrication provided by Charlie and co. behind the bar, and Mitzi in the kitchen keeping players fed, it really was conducive to the production of high quality darts.
Some of the darts on show early on was truly scintillating. Kevin Gray threw like a hero to put out regular visitor and former quarter-finalist Peter Craig in the first round. Brian Moar defeated former runner-up and one of Shetland's finest Roger Irvine at the same stage, with both registering a 13 dart leg apiece, but it was another previous runner-up, Keith Hood from the Borders who pulled out the leg of the day, hitting a 12 darter in the deciding leg against Stirlingshire's much fancied Lewis Plank in the last 32. Erlend Lennie produced the biggest shock of the day, dumping local favourite Kevin Gray out in the last 64, which genuinely seemed to spark the competition into life as several players were now seeing a realistic opportunity to write their name in the history books.
Orkney has the proud and somewhat remakable record of never having let the trophy leave it's shores and by Quarter-final time there were only two non-local players left, namely Shetland's Stuart Paul and Mark Robertson from Stirlingshire, but that was as far as their progress would go, losing out to Kenny Gunn and Wayne Monkman respectively. Brett Dickinson continued his recent excellent form in seeing off Paul Foubister before Brian Moar halted the progress of Neil Croy, who played some excellent darts all day despite not having played competitively for quite a few years.
With a minimum of £200 prize money awaiting the winner of each semi-final, it was time for some serious darts to be put on show, and the sizeable crowd watching on were not disappointed. Kenny Gunn was absolutely ruthless, punishing any mistake Wayne made, and it was the Stromness man who won through 4-0.
The other semi was equally as good, almost guaranteed to be exciting with two high scoring quickfire players locking horns. Brian made the better start of the two, reeling off a 15 darter to open up. Brett was never far behind and created several leg winning opportunities but Brian always seemed to have him just at arms length as he prevailed 4-1.
It had long been guaranteed that a new name would be on the trophy but the question now was whether it would reside in Stromness or Firth for the next 12 months?
Brian won the bull-up and once more came out of the traps like a rocket, firing another 15 dart opening salvo, before power scoring his way to a commanding 3-0 lead, including a 110 checkout despite Kenny scoring a 180. Chances came and went for Brian in the fourth and fifth legs but Kenny was having none of it as he cooly slotted his doubles to put the pressure back on and peg the score back to 3-2. Brian continued to pile in the trebles as he took the seventh leg and started the eighth leg in the same vein but Kenny was himself hitting back with high scores, hindered by an untimely bounceout. With the title and £500 prize on the line it is to be expected that the winning double becomes much harder to hit, and it almost proved elusive as several attempts at double 2 were missed by the Firth man, with Kenny narrowly failing with his chances to clinch the leg too. Eventually Brian's dart found its target and he claimed the title with a 5-2 scoreline.
Prize winners were: Furthest Lady (£100) Kay Mowat; Furthest 'B' player (£100) Allan Brown; Quarter-finalists (£20) Stuart Paul, Mark Robertson, Paul Foubister and Neil Croy; Semi-finalists (£50) Wayne Monkman and Brett Dickinson; Runner-up (£200) Kenny Gunn; Winner (£500) Brian Moar.
The committee would like to extend a huge thank you to the sponsors J.W Gray & Co. and Tennents, without whom the event simply could not go ahead. Also thanks to the Masonic and it's staff, as well as Mitzi in the kitchen and to everyone who took part and ensured that the day went as smoothly as it did.
180s were scored by: Josh Alexander, Willie Plank, John Garson, Neil Croy, Steven Hood, Kenny Gunn, Brett Dickinson, Philip Thomson, Keith Brumpton (two), Keith Hood (two), Kevin Gray (two), Brian Moar (two), Paul Foubister (three) and Stuart Paul (three). Stuart Paul also scored 171 while Lewis Plank scored 174 and Stevie Garner hit 177.
High Checkouts came from: Josh Alexander 102, Brett Dickinson 104, Brian Moar 110, Des Gillespie 115, Alan Brown 116, Steven Hood 118, Stuart Paul 120, Keith Hood 121, Ian Linklater 130 and Kenny Gunn 158.
2020 Tennent's Kirkwall Open
Ian Linklater is 2020 Tennent's Kirkwall Open winner
Prizewinners and organisers of the Tennent's Kirkwall Open. Pictured standing, from left to right, Gemma Irvine, Robbie Stanger, Ivan Leslie, Lee Macpherson, Paul Reap, Michael Muir, Brian Moar, David Henderson, Kevin Sarling, Richard Polson. Front from left, Keith Hood, Stuart Paul, Craig Taylor, Ian Linklater, Kevin Gray.
Saturday, March 7, saw the flagship event of the KDDL calendar, the J.W.Gray & Co Tennent's Kirkwall Open, taking place in the Masonic.
Although down on previous years, the entry of 83 was still very healthy and made for a great competition.
Men and women from all over Orkney entered, as well as competitors from Shetland, Caithness and as far flung places such as The Borders.
It was refreshing to see people from literally both ends of Scotland sharing a dram and a yarn, creating a great atmosphere in the venue, with some great matches in store.
As always, some big names met early on, meaning some local favourites didn't progress as far as they would have liked.
£100 was on offer for the lady who progressed the furthest and that title was to go to Gemma Irvine from Whalsay in Shetland, who reached the last 32, losing out to fellow Shetlander Stuart Paul.
Another £100 was up for the furthest KDDL 'B' player and both Lee MacPherson and Derek Ward reached the last 16, meaning a best of 5 playoff was required. Derek went 2-1 up but Lee rallied to take the prize by three legs to two.
By semi-final time, there was an all Orkney affair in one, and a Shetland v Borders matchup in the second.
Ian Linklater won an enthralling encounter with last years champion Kevin Gray to progress, while Stuart Paul dispatched last years runner-up, Keith Hood from The Borders, to meet Ian in the final.
After a long day of darts there is usually only a small crowd for the final, but this year the bulk of those who entered remained, creating a real buzz and a great atmosphere for it. Ian was cheered on by a vocal bunch of vocals, but Stuart was receiving great support from the Whalsay contingent whose volume made up for their shortage of numbers!
The final started slowly as nerves were evident, but after Ian took the first leg, Stuart hit back with the next two.
Missed doubles allowed Ian to take the fourth and he never looked back from there, taking the final leg in only 14 darts, much to his delight after twice being a losing finalist.
Ian's endeavours earned him not only the title but also the £500 first prize, whilst Stuart pocketed £200.
180s on the day: Robbie Norquoy, Keith Hood, Derek Ward, Kevin Peace, Derek Firth, Craig Taylor, Kevin Gray, Stuart Paul (two) and James Flett (two). Steven Hood scored 174 whilst Brett Dickinson hit 177.
High finishes on the day: Brett Dickinson 100, Paul Reap 112, Erland Pirie 118, Ian Linklater 120, Stuart Paul 130, James Flett (100, 100) and Richard Thain (102, 150).
The league again would like to thank our sponsors, Tennent's and J.W.Gray and Co for their continued support, which is much appreciated by all.
2019 Tennent's Kirkwall Open
Pictured back row from left are prizewinners Ryan Tulloch, Ivan Leslie, Gary Wilson, Jamie Drever, Alan Gray with KDDL treasurer David Henderson. Missing from picture is furthest lady winner Jenni Tully.
Front row from left, KDDL president Craig Taylor, winner Kevin Gray, runner-up Keith Hood, and KDDL secretary Brian Moar.
85 keen participants turned up to the Masonic on Saturday for the 2019 Tennents Kirkwall Open, including 17 Ladies, and players from as far flung places as Shetland and the Borders, showing the appeal this competition has now.
Included in this number were several members of the Tully family, who were on their annual pilgrimage to visit the grave of their father Pat (former Orkney County football manager), including ex-Scotland Women's International Jenni Tully.
Although a lower turnout compared to previous years, there was a terrific atmosphere in the venue all day, and the crowd were treated to some tremendous entertainment.
Early in the competition young Nicol Gray set the tone for the day, checking out a maximum 170 finish in his 3-2 defeat to Frank Tully.
Kevin Gray and Derek Firth met once again in singles competition and once more served up a cracking game for those watching.
Jamie Drever has had a great season, and continued his recent form by beating legendary Shetland player Roger Irvine in the last 16, securing in the process his prize of £100 for the furthest KDDL 'B' player. He would meet Kevin Gray, who followed up his win over Derek with an equally close win over Shetlander Gareth MacRitchie.
Unfortunately for Jamie, Kevin was on top form, pulling out three 17 dart legs to win 3-0. Elsewhere, Alan Gray summoned all the experience of his 61 (and three quarters!) years to narrowly pip four times Open winner Stevie Linklater.
Ivan Leslie produced a steady display of scoring in his 3-0 quarter win over Gary Wilson and Borders County player Keith Hood was quietly going about his progress with a 3-1 win over Ryan Tulloch, who had previously defeated furthest lady winner Jenni Tully in the last 16.
By semi-final time, in the battle of the Gray's, Alan appeared to have just run out of steam after a brilliant day of darts, although he did secure a leg against Kevin to what must have been one of the loudest cheers of the day. Kevin ran out 4-1 winner.
The other semi-final saw Ivan struggle to keep up with Keith, going 3-1 behind, but with the local crowd cheering him on he clawed it back to 3-3, before eventually missing a chance to win, and the Borders man was clinical on his finish.
With the lower entry coupled with a pretty smooth running day, the final took place early by Kirkwall Open standards and was all the better because of it.
A sizeable crowd had remained to watch, with many locals intrigued to find out if the trophy would be leaving Orkney for the first time in its 11 year history.
Keith Hood was not only up against Kevin Gray, but also a friendly yet fiercely partisan and vocal home crowd. Keith had his followers though, as he was cheered on by his Borders colleagues and a few other non-Orcadians joined in to try and equalise the cheers, all adding to the atmosphere. All that was required now was a nail biting finale to the competition, and boy did they provide it!
Kevin won the bull-up, which is usually a huge advantage in these competitions, but unusually all of the first 8 legs went against the throw, with Keith continually pinching Kevin's throw, only for the Shapinsay man to dig deep and hit back, and so the match ebbed and flowed until Kevin eventually hauled himself level at 4 legs apiece.
By this stage everyone in the hall was literally on the edge of their seat.
The deciding leg started with Kevin racing ahead, but Keith was never too far behind.
As Kevin missed tops on a potential 105 finish, Keith popped in a 125 score to leave himself also sitting on tops and, with how clinical he had been on doubles all day, it was looking unlikely he'd miss if given the opportunity.
Kevin's first dart was close but just too high, his second dart hit his flight and deflected upwards away from the double, but his third dart was true and landed him his third Kirkwall Open title and a very handy £500 first prize.
The Kirkwall and District Darts league would like to very much thank Tennent's and J.W. Gray & Co for the continued valued support, and all those who donated to the bottle stall and raffle.
Prizewinners on the day: Highest checkout – Nicol Gray 170 - vodka; Furthest 'B' player -Jamie Drever - £100; Furthest lady – Jenni Tully - £100; Quarter finalists – Jamie Drever, Stevie Linklater, Gary Wilson and Ryan Tulloch - £20 each; Semi-finalists – Alan Gray, Ivan Leslie - £50 each; Runner-up – Keith Hood - £200; Winner – Kevin Gray - £500.
180s: Stuart Thomson, Ben Johnston, Alan Findlay, Doug Simpson, Gary Wilson, Derek Firth, Jamie Drever, Alan Gray, Keith Hood, Gareth MacRitchie (two), Stevie Linklater (two) and Kevin Gray (two).
High checkouts: Erlend Lennie 104, John Tully 110, Stevie Linklater 110, Ivan Leslie 111, Craig Taylor 112, Ian Linklater 114, Derek Firth 156 and Nicol Gray 170.
2018 Open
96 players contested the JW Gray & Co Tennent's Kirkwall Open Darts Singles on Saturday, March 10, 2018.
Organised by Kirkwall and District Darts League, the biggest cash prizes in Orkney Darts were up for grabs thanks to the sponsors.
Joining local players in the packed Masonic Club in Kirkwall were a strong contingent from Shetland, joining 12 players who made the long journey up from the Scottish Borders, as well as players from other areas, including Aberdeenshire.
Kay Peace made it to the last 16 of the competition, before being put out by Stevie Linklater, winning her the top lady prize of £100. Robbie Norquoy won the furthest progressing B player £100 prize. He too was halted by Stevie, in the quarter-final stage.
In the other quarter finals Shetland's Gareth MacRitchie took out former winner Kevin Gray 3-2, while Brett Dickinson beat Jamie Aitchison from the Borders, by the same score. Defending Champion Ivan Leslie took out Borders visitor Peter Craig 3-1, with a 180 and a 111 finish giving Ivan a 12 dart leg.
In a great atmosphere a strong crowd watched the action as to who would be crowned champion.
The semi finals saw Gareth beat Brett 4-3 in a very tight game, while Stevie overcame Ivan 4-1, with both players hitting 180's.
So it was an Orkney v Shetland final. Would the trophy go out of Orkney for the first time it the 10 year history of the competition?
This answer was no, as Stevie powered to a 5-0 victory in a one sided final, with Stevie's heavy scoring proving too much for Gareth.
Stevie won the title for the fourth time, picking up the cup and £500 cash. Gareth won £200.
(Stevie averaged 80.81, Gareth 49.03)
Each semi-finalist won £50, and the quarter-finalists £20 each. In total £1080 prize money was given out on the day.
Thanks to everyone who took part and for all the generous donations to the bottle stall and raffles.
The committee of the KDDL would like to thank JW Gray & Co and Tennent's for their valued and continued support of the event.
2017 Open Report
Silverware and £500 for Ivan Leslie as he wins, for the second time, the JW Gray & Co Tennent's Kirkwall Open Darts Singles, organised by the KDDL.
Kirkwall Open prizewinners. Pictured back row from left are Kevin Gray, quarter finalist, Kelly Harcus, furthest progressing lady, and Jamie Marwick, furthest progressing KDDL B-player. Missing from back row are quarter finalists Ryan Tulloch, Stevie Linklater and Paul Foubister and highest lady finish winner Noreen Bain (108). Pictured in the front row from left, are Peter Craig, semi- finalist & highest checkout winner with 161, Craig Taylor KDDL president, Ian Linklater, runner-up, Ivan Leslie, winner of the JW Gray Tennant's Kirkwall Open, Jim Scollie, KDDL secretary, and Roger Irvine semi-finalist.
The Tennent's JW Gray Kirkwall Open just gets better and better as 107 people put their names down for the ninth open tournament.
Twenty-one ladies entered, with Shona Gray and Nicky Laird making the last 32, but the star lady was Kelly Harcus, who beat two male players to make the last 16 and scoop the top lady prize of £100.
Kelly’s run was ended by the star player from the Borders, Peter Craig, one of five players who travelled for the tournament. There were also players from Western Isles and Shetland.
Defending champion Kevin Gray lost out in the quarter finals to Ivan Leslie, who was joined in the last four by Peter Craig, Roger Irvine from Shetland, and Orkney’s Ian Linklater.
Ivan’s 4-0 victory over Roger and Ian’s 4-1 win against Peter ensured that it would be two KDDL players who would compete in the showpiece, with the cup guaranteed to remain in Kirkwall, as it has done for the eight years previous.
The final itself, wouldn’t have looked out of place on television. The score of 5-2 to Ivan looks one-sided, but it was far from it — Ivan just seemed to have the first dart at a double and he wasn’t missing anything.
Ivan picked up the £500 first prize courtesy of the sponsors, with Ian winning £200 as runner up.
Peter Craig from the Borders took the top checkout prize with a 161. The top ‘B’ player and £100 winner was Jamie Marwick, who beat Derek Ward jnr in a play-off.
In total well over £1000 was won on the day by players reaching various stages of the competition.
2016 Open Report
The biggest prize money in Orkney darts was on offer at the weekend when the JW Gray & Co Tennent's 2016 Kirkwall Open took place in the Masonic Club in Kirkwall.
Organised and run by the KDDL the event has over £1000 in cash prizes awaiting the winners, plus numerous other prizes on offer throughout the day.
The 2016 Open attracted 108 entries, from Orkney, Shetland and the Scottish mainland and included 21 lady players.
Stevie Linklater had won the trophy two years in a row, and was aiming for the hat-tick, however his run in the competition was halted by team-mate Bruce Moar who knocked him out the round before the quarter-finals.
By semi-final time KDDL's Kevin Gray and Ivan Leslie met, with Kevin winning 4-2 to book his place in the final.
The other semi saw Shetland's Roger Irvine from Whalsay facing Jamie Marwick, from Rousay, who lives and plays his league darts in Aberdeenshire.
It was Jamie who made his way into his first ever Kirkwall Open final, beating Roger 4-1.
The final was an absolute classic and saw a tremendous standard of darts, with four 180's and a 120 check-out from Jamie, with two 180's from Kevin.
Despite the 180's advantage, it was Kevin who triumphed, beating Jamie 5-3 in the best of nine final. Kevin won the title and £500, with Jamie winning the runner-up prize of £200.
This is the second time that on-form Kevin has won the competition, also claiming the title back in 2012.
Other prizewinners on the day were semi-finalists Ivan Leslie and Roger Irvine who won £50 each. Quarter finalists were Paul Foubister, Bruce Moar, Frank Watt and Derek Firth who won £20 each.
Furthest B Player Davie Henderson won £100 as did furthest lady player Nicky Laird.
KDDL president Craig Taylor said that on behalf of himself and the league committee he wished to thank everyone who made the day such a success, especially the ladies who sold raffle tickets throughout the day, Charlie and the staff of the Masonic Club, John Craigie for his continued support, Mitzi for the meals, and to anyone who helped out in any way, including the volunteer markers and people who donated prizes.
The committee are extremely grateful to sponsors Tennent's and JW Gray & Co for their continued financial support which is greatly appreciated.
Thanks also go to Malcolm Coghill for donating the dartboard and shirt signed by the professionals who visited Orkney last year.
They were auctioned and won by Kay Peace and Karen and Bob Budge raising £220. The money will be donated from the KDDL to the British Heart Foundation and Fishermen's Mission.
Finally, thanks also go to league secretary Jim Scollie who generously donated is usual huge number of 'Tattie Bogle' special prizes, but could not be there on the day due to being unwell. We wish him a speedy recovery.
Craig also said that would also like to thank KDDL committee members, Robbie Stanger, Richard Polson, Stevie Linklater and Davie Henderson for all their work in making the day such a success and running smoothly.
2015 Open
Saturday March 7 saw 102 players -including 19 ladies - from across Orkney and many of our friends from overseas enter the 7th annual Kirkwall open kindly sponsored by Tennent’s and J.W. Gray & co.
There were some mouth watering ties early on and some very close games as the draw threw up a few tasty encounters. Early on in the day, Ben Hogan won his first game with two ton-plus checkouts, including the excellent 152 finish that netted him the trophy for the highest checkout.
6 ladies received byes into the last 64 but that was as far as any of them were to progress. Those ladies then went into a round robin of their own (kindly run by the women themselves) and eventually Katie Croy defeated Jacqui Stevenson 2-0 to claim the top lady trophy and the £100 prize.
Elsewhere in the draw, B league players Scott Wilson and Keith Bain both progressed to the last 16 with Scott notably taking the scalp of regular intercounty player Iain Wilkie along the way. They then had a playoff to determine the furthest B player and Keith finally came out on top, claiming the £100 prize.
By quarter-final time there was a real mix of players left in the draw. Kevin McGregor from John O’Groats crashed out to Westray’s Jim Brown before Stevie Linklater defeated Shetland’s Roger Irvine in what was a repeat of last years final. Frank Watt from Shetland was just too much for the Pomona’s Graham Flett to handle while John Munson from the Merkister couldn’t find enough to topple 2011 champion Robbie Stanger.
The first semi-final saw a clash of team mates from the Orkney Golf Club and Stevie Linklater just had the better of Jim Brown in a very close game, eventually winning 4-2. Robbie Stanger had a somewhat easier time of it in his semi final, comfortably cruising to a 4-0 win over Frank Watt, who we will see back in Orkney later in April as part of the Shetland intercounty team.
Into the final and it was a clash between previous champion Robbie Stanger and current holder and two-times winner Stevie Linklater. Despite the obvious nerves both players played well with Robbie finishing with a 75.56 average and Stevie with 79.48. Stevie began by breaking Robbie’s throw, going 2 nil up before Robbie hit back with the third leg. A few missed darts at double by Robbie in the 4th might have altered the game but Stevie took it and then streaked away to record a 5-1 victory to take the title and £500 first prize.
The KDDL committee would like to thank everyone who took part for producing such a fun atmosphere along with some cracking darts, it really is what the Kirkwall Open is all about and we hope its just as enjoyable in 2016. Thanks also to all who helped out on the day with the bottle stall, selling raffle tickets, organising games and running the womens playoffs, it was very much appreciated. Special thanks must also go to Charlie and the Masonic bar staff, and in particular John Craigie who always goes above and beyond to help us out. We couldn’t run such an event without the work they do behind the scenes in preparation for it, much of which goes unseen by the players taking part. And finally a huge thank you to Tattie Bogle who was unfortunately injured this year and unable to run the competition as he normally does. His overseeing eye and input into proceedings was very much appreciated. Hopefully he’ll be back in his usual role before too long.
180’s on the day: Stevie Linklater, Erlend Lennie, Paul Firth, James Flett, Erlend Ritch, Erlend Pirie, Derek Firth, Liam Drever, Kevin Gray (2) and Robbie Stanger (3).
Checkouts on the day: Paul Firth 101, Liam Drever 102, Martin Shearer 104, Robbie Stanger 107, Davy Henderson 116, Nigel Williamson 135, Iain Wilkie 148, Stevie Linklater 102 & 116, Roger Irvine 111 & 113, Ben Hogan 113 & 152 and Kevin McGregor 105, 113 & 116.
Quarter Finals:
Jim Brown bt Kevin McGregor, Stevie Linklater bt Roger Irvine, Frank Watt bt Graham Flett, Robbie Stanger bt John Munson
Semi Finals:
Stevie Linklater 4-2 Jim Brown, Robbie Stanger 4-0 Frank Watt
Final
Stevie Linklater 5-1 Robbie Stanger
2014 open
Stevie Linklater won the £500 first prize in the 2014 JW Gray Tennent’s Kirkwall Open beating Shetland's Roger Irvine 5-4 in the final. Losing semi-finalists were Iain Wilkie and Ivan Leslie. Furthest B player was Gary Wilson and furthest lady was Jean Scott.
110 players entered on the day, from Orkney, Shetland, Caithness and further afield. Many thanks to all who turned up, and to our sponsors for their much appreciated support.
JW Gray & Co Carling Kirkwall Open 2013
Ivan Leslie beat Iain Wilkie in the final to win £500 cash and the cup. Iain won £200. Losing semi finalists were Stewart Tait and Brian Moar, £50 each. Iain beat Stewart, Brian lost to Ivan. Losing Quarter finalists were Derek Firth, Brett Dickinson, Robbie Stanger, and Neil 'The Whippet' Croy. Woman's winner was Irene Thomson, KDDL B league winner Brett Dickinson, they both won £100. Over £1000 of prize money was given out on the day.
Thanks to Carling and JW Gray for their support once again.
2012
Over £1000 in prize money
£500 First Prize
Kevin Gray beat defending champion Robbie Stanger 5-1 in the final to win his first Carling Kirkwall Open. Kevin had earlier beaten Wick's Tam Mulraine in the semi-final and Robbie beat Michael Bain in the other semi final.
Debbie Tait lost out to Tam Mulraine in the quarter-finals and received the prize for the furthest progressing lady on the day whilst Keith Bain received the prize for the furthest 'B' player after beating Ryan Tulloch in a play-off. Both players had made it to the last 16.
A record breaking entry of 122 players took part in the competition from Orkney, Shetland and Caithness. Many thanks to all who played and to all the sponsors involved.
Sponsored by Carling, JW Gray & Co, Kirkwall Kilwinning
Recreation Club, Kirkwall & District Darts League and Jim Scollie.
For further information contact: Craig Taylor. Email: [email protected]
Many thanks to Tennent's for supporting the
competition between 2009-2011
2011 Open
2010 Open
94 players contested the 2010 Tennent's Kirkwall Open with players travelling from around Orkney, Shetland and Caithness to take part. Once again it was two Orkney players in the final, this time Stevie Linklater beat Kevin Gray in a fantastic final. Stevie won the top prize of £500. In total £1080 in prizemoney was given out to the winners.
2009 Open
Derek Firth was the 2009 Tennent's Kirkwall Open champion. He beat Ian Linklater 5-2 in the final, winning the cup and £500. Ian won a shield and £200. Semi final players were Kevin Gray and Brian Moar. The £100 prize for the furthest woman was won by Tracey Matheson, and furthest Kirkwall B league player was Derrick Firth who also won £100. 81 players from Orkney, Shetland and Caithness took part in the event held in the Masonic Club on Saturday April 11.
