THE Sheppey Darts Classic won by Kevin Painter at the weekend was a big hit - and the organisers are hoping next year's could be even better.

Chief organiser Tony Cox is a happy man after the tournament, staged at Layzell's in Minster, attracted a big entry and following.

He is hoping to increase the tournament's profile by making the Sheppey Darts Classic a Category 1 tournament, which will mean increased prize money and ranking points for the players and would almost guarantee TV coverage.

Mr Cox said: "It ran like a dream. It's the biggest sporting event on the Island and almost certainly in the county because no other event can boast to have all the top players in that discipline present.

"On the Saturday, we didn't get as many people in as we did last year but the place was packed from 9am on the Sunday.

"And for the final everyone from both halls tried to get a vantage point to watch. "There was some great darts. Kevin (Painter) was superb. He played great darts and deserved to win and Darren Webster did very well to get there.

"And the local players did very well. Geoff Harkup had a great following and it was more like a football match when he played.

"The atmosphere was fantastic and I've had lots of e-mails from players and punters alike telling me how much we enjoyed it."

Painter was runner-up in the PDC Lakeside World championships earlier in the year.

The evening also featured an exhibition called the "Real Legends" featuring Eric Bristow, John Lowe, Bob Anderson and Cliff Lazarenko.

"That was a real coup," he added. "That was the first time all four had been on stage in action at the same time ever."

But looking ahead to next year, Mr Cox is looking to take the Classic to the next level.

He said: "We want to make it a Category 1 tournament. That means we would need about £22,000 to cover the prize money and general running costs.

"But with the added money comes ranking points and you are almost 99 per cent guaranteed TV coverage because it would be that important to the players.

"And we're hoping John Part and Phil Taylor can make it next year as both had other commitments this time."

The organisers had to make up the shortfall from this year's tournament out of their own pockets. If anyone would like to contribute or is interested in sponsoring next year's event should contact Mr Cox on 01795 875263