Black Flights face big hurdle

Japan then Australia made statements yesterday that a fifth consecutive Asia Pacific Cup title for the New Zealand Black Flights might be a struggle.

The Black Flights began the 14th tournament at Club Palmerston as narrow favourites to retain the title they last won in Malaysia in 2006.

With the strength in darts in the southern hemisphere and Asia on the increase, this is expected to be the tightest tournament yet, with any of Japan, Malaysia, Australia and Hong Kong expected to test the Black Flights.

From the opening dart, Japan had the Black Flights under pressure, winning the teams game 3-0. The Black Flights came back in the remaining pairs and singles, but there was nothing between the teams at the end.

In his debut at international level, Palmerston North's Derrick Samson made a strong start, partnering Masterton's Greg Moss to a 3-0 pairs win over their Japanese counterparts, while Moss and Samson also led the team in the singles, along with skipper Bernie Smith (Canterbury). Jane Harrington, also on debut, had an outstanding 3-1 win over one of the world's premier women Mayumi Ouchi.

As if that wasn't a big enough warning to the Black Flights, the Australians then came out and showed they will be the team to beat, blasting the Black Flights away, with brilliant darts from all their players, to win 8-2.

Australians Eddie Sims, Tony David and Kyle Anderson, as well as women Louise Ball and Corrine Hammond all appear players like to feature come final time tomorrow.

New Zealand took the teams match, but then was well beaten in all three pairs and five of the six singles, with only Samson winning.

Malaysia showed it will be a contender, at least with its men, as it outplayed Hong Kong in the other opening-round clash. Malaysia then showed it will be tough to beat with a strong performance against Japan.

Australia finished yesterday with another convincing win, this time over Japan.

It was a slow day's play, with only three of the five preliminary rounds played, leaving two rounds today before knockout stages of the teams, doubles and singles.

That would leave only finals to be played tomorrow.

By TONY COFFIN - Manawatu Standard | Thursday, 09 October 2008 (Story source...)