SEVERAL top players will descend on Minster, near Sheerness, this weekend for the Sheppey Darts Classic. Les Fitton will look to defend his title at Layzells in Minster Broadway.

PDC World Championships finalist Kevin Painter along with Peter Manley, Alan Warriner, Bob Anderson, Ronnie Baxter are among the 200 hundred entrants vying for the various singles, doubles and ladies titles.

The event is an important one in the calendar with the pro players needing the ranking points for the World Matchplay Championships in Blackpool next week.

But the island will be well represented with Sheppey Darts champion Dave Thompson, Geoff Harkup, Paul McDine and Dave Smith all looking to make a good impression.

Organiser Tony Cox said: “It’s a great honour to have all of these great players here and we’re sure for some great darts.

“I’m really looking forward to the tournament but we’ve been struggling with sponsorship. We had been promised a big sponsorship but they pulled out so we’re desperately trying to find money from somewhere.

“It’s a shame that John part and Phil Taylor aren’t here but there are some great names and it’s going to be a great weekend.

“The Island players are in good form so I hope they play well. Dave Thompson is in mega-form so he could ruffle a few feathers.”

Doors open at 9am on Saturday and Sunday with play getting underway at 10am.

Play will end at around 5.30pm on Saturday and an exhibition will follow.

On Sunday after play, the club has big screens in place to show the England v France match.

*For more information on how to sponsor the event call Tony Cox on 01795 875263.