Vivian Rankine Memorial Dart Tournament

Darts takes flight in Viv’s memory

By Matthew Yates, matthew@cfp.ky Thursday 18th September, 2008 Posted: 16:15 CIT (21:15 GMT) > Comment on this story A darts tournament this weekend will breathe life into the local scene. It’s the start of the Vivian Rankine Memorial Dart Tournament. Corner Pocket, Alissta Towers, a venue during league play, will be the site for all of the action. Darts will start flying from 2:30pm on Saturday and resume their flight at 1:30pm on Sunday. Play will consist of a round–robin format. Competitors will be counted and then evenly split into two groups. From there players will compete in single elimination games. Those that do well will be placed in division A while those that do not will end up in division B. Play will continue until the top six in each division are determined. Those darters will then take part in quarterfinals. The top two finishers from each division will then face off against one another for the overall championship plus second and third place trophies. The competition will result in overall male, female and doubles champions. In fact this year reportedly marks the first time that an overall women’s champion will be named. Though the format is essentially the same across all of those segments there will be a slight difference in the doubles action. Early registration for the tournament is recommended and can be done at the Corner Pocket during business hours. According to tournament director Martin Bodden, the element of surprise will be heightened as playing partners in the doubles section will be chosen at random. This will also allow more equal and fair competition. Though extensive the competition format is in place so that all competitors have a chance to earn a trophy of some sort. According to Bodden over 18 trophies and medals are up for grabs. In addition to trophies, participants are eligible to win gift certificates, shirts autographed by English darts legend John Lowe and medals for different accomplishments, such as most 180s and highest finish. The trophies are being sponsored in part by former Cayman Darts Association president Trevor Lloyd. The main sponsor of the tournament will once again be Cable & Wireless and they will provide complimentary T–shirts for all participants. Local dignitaries are expected to make a presence including the Minister of Youth and Sports Alden McLaughlin. The tournament will attract some of Cayman’s premier dart players. Among those expected to compete are Hank Ebanks, Earl Smith and newly re–elected Cayman Darts Association vice–president Philip Parsons. Parsons is the reigning champion of last year’s division A. He would advance into the playoffs before falling short against Frankie Martyr. Parsons says he looking forward to returning this time to defend his win and possibly do better. “I’m definitely looking forward to the tournament. It has always been exciting. “This time I will look to get revenge on Frankie and claim the A division again if not the whole thing.” The tournament will serve as entrée to the start of the local league. The next big tournament is slated to be the Pirates Week or Mickey Mouse Tournament in late October. The competition is in memory of the late Vivian Rankine who passed away in 1998. Rankine was an officer for the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and was an avid sports enthusiast, especially with darts. Proceeds from the tournament go towards a scholarship fund set aside for Vivian’s son George. George was four years old when his father passed. George, 14, is said to also have a love for darts and the skills for it. He opened the tournament two years ago with a perfect “bull’s eye”. Bodden says the darts community takes pride in hosting the tournament to help out young George and honour Vivian. For Bodden the tournament is a way to not only boost darts in Cayman but keep a dear friend’s child on the right track. For more information contact Martin Bodden at 916–0509 or via e–mail at darter@candw.ky. (source link)