The Blue Square UK Open darts finals begin today (Thursday) with a twin threat coming from the Isle fo Sheppey.

Pub qualifiers Geoff Harkup and Paul McDine will be out to make Friday’s third round draw and a possible pairing with one of the world’s top professionals.

First the Sheppey pair must get past today’s (Thursday) first and second round opponents for a place in the lucrative latter stages of the competition and a chance to test their skills against the likes of defending champion Raymond van Barneveld and legendary Phil Taylor.

Harkup has now qualified for every one of the five UK Open finals and he’ll be passing on all his experience to debutant McDine as the pair take the oche at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium.

“To get two people from the Isle of Sheppey into the finals is an absolutely brilliant achievement,” said Harkup.

“The third round is the goal and we’ll be going into every game as the underdog. I’m going there to make myself as much of a nuisance as I can for the pros.”