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Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Professional Darts Is Rob's Bullseye

Darts ace Rob Galloway has one major target in life - to become a future king of the oche.

The talented youngster is aiming to follow in the footsteps of the best darts players in the world after going from strength-to-strength in the sport.

Rob, a former engineering student at South Cheshire College, has already beaten some of the country's best darts players in league games, exhibition matches and practice sessions.

Now, the avid Stoke City fan is hoping he hits all the right numbers as he works towards turning professional.

The 21-year-old, nicknamed 'The Slayer', is currently Radway Club's main man in the Alsager league where he has only lost one game all season.

However he has also experienced playing in the Cheshire Super League, the Crewe Premier League and the County League against top players who have already made a name for themselves in the game.

Rob, of Scholar Green, is hoping his contacts and practice sessions with some of the top players from Stoke-on-Trent, a hotbed of darts, will pay off in the near future.

He has already triumphed against players including Adrian Lewis, Peter Manley and Andy 'The Hammer' Hamilton who have all appeared on TV in professional tournaments and practice their trade in the Potteries.

He has also received darts from legend Phil 'The Power' Taylor - the undisputed king of darts who has clocked up 13 world titles in his career.

He said: "At the moment I'm playing in the Alsager league but I've only lost one game in the league this season.

"Last year I played in the Cheshire Super League against some top players and it was a great experience for me and I learnt a lot.

"I'm practicing all the time and just hope I can make the breakthrough and turn professional.

"I've beaten some really good players so far in one-off games and now it's my burning ambition to turn professional and appear on the TV at least once. That's my short-term goal really."

Sport all-rounder Rob suffered a bad injury when he was representing Cheshire at rugby three years ago.

It was then that he was introduced to darts by his dad, Colin, a solid player himself who plays for the same team.

Rob added: "It all started when I went to watch my dad play in a final in the Alsager darts league.

"I did it all for a laugh at first but then people starting taking notice of me and said I was really good and could give anyone a game.

"It's my dream to play at top darts venues like The Lakeside and The Alexandra Palace in the future."

Rob, who has also been roared on along the way by his mum Anne, has also competed in a number of darts tournaments in front of audiences including Winter Gardens, Blackpool and the White Eagle Club in Stafford.

Now he is hoping to join the Professional Darts Players Association (PDPA) if he can generate enough funds and sponsorship money.

Colin said: "Since Rob first started playing he has had great ability and people have always commented about how good he is and should take it further.

"He has proved he can do it in front of an audience and everybody is firmly behind him. He just needs that push to take it to the next level."

Rob needs up to £500 initially so he can join the PDPA but is hoping he can get some extra backing.

The Boothen Ender's achievement is even more remarkable because he had problems with his sight for six months after being struck down with the viral strain of meningitis.

Despite the setback, he still managed to complete his two year City & Guilds 2800 Level 3 Certificate in Engineering qualification at South Cheshire College.

Rob, who is currently working for Twyfords, said: "I've still got lots of fond memories of college and enjoyed my engineering course.

"One or two people there knew about my passion for darts. Hopefully I can give them something to shout about in the future.

Engineering tutor Ray Beecham said: "Rob is an extremely talented darts player and was a great lad when he was with us a student. We really hope he can make it to the top."

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