Mark "Mile High" Hylton - British UK Darts Player

Cannock Open

Mark participated in the Cannock Open on July 25th.

There was a good turnout for this event at the new Duck, Chadsmoor, and many faces old and new stepped up to the oche. Mark said it was a pleasure to chat with a few friends that he hadn't seen for ages and to renew acquaintances.

A first round bye kept Mark waiting while the first round matches were underway. After a shaky first two rounds, Mark progressed into the last where good scoring and finishing propelled him into the last 8.

This set up a meeting with county stalwart Danny Coyle. Mark felt he owed Danny one from a previous comp and at 3-1 down, Mark envisaged a similar result. However perseverance and a change of luck and Mark scrambled home 4-3.

This put Mark in the Semi-finals against top area (a regular Staffs county squad member) player Neil Poynton. Mark started to hit good form when it counted and finished the match out a comfortable winner 5-2.

The Cannock Open title was calling and within grasp now as the final was set. First things first, though, as Mark needed to get past Ricky Platt (younger brother of PDC professional David Platt).

6-1 was the final scoreline and the title was Mark Hylton's!! Mark commented with respect to Ricky's play indicating that he didn't play his best darts. Mark was able to relax and play consistently well!

Mark would like to issue a BIG THANKS to organiser and friend George Coulter for all his superb efforts. Mark Is already looking forward to attending the next one!! After all, he now has the title to defend!

Special thanks also go out to Mark's supporters near and far. Thank you!

The Chirk Open: Saturday 26 Sept, 2009

Chirk Parish Hall
Registration: 11:30 AM, Toe the Oche: 12:00 Noon
Contact: Mike Edwards on 01691772658 or 07974349203

A Note from Mark

Well, to be honest, regarding success in the last couple of months: I have not been as successful as i would have liked!

I achieved Semi Finals at the Bromsgrove Open and the Ripley Open. I did reach the final at the Shropshire Open. These were recent performances of note. However, from a personal perspective, I need to be winning competitions like these!! Analyzing my game and connsidering losing to Andy Smith, Jamie Caven and Andy Roberts respectively, perhaps I am being a little hard on myself!!!

I have had a lack of self belief through June especially. I thought i would change my flight shape to pears! I soon realised, though, that the issue is not the flights but between my ears!

I have embarked on a more focused and dedicated practice regimen. I am officially part-time at work (3 on and 6 off pattern)and hope to enter as many competitions as possible. My aim is to join the PDC in January and give it my total concentration for at least a year. With fans and friends alike behind me, I know I am in good shape!

Thank you to everyone for your continued support!

Let's Play Darts Spring Open - Tamworth Sunday 3rd May 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 by Joe Norton

By all accounts, this was a great day of darts at The Sports Bar despite the low number of entrants (68). But I always say that I would prefer "quality over quantity" and this talented field did not disappoint.

Professional players names lined the bracket with PDC notables Jamie Caven, Colin Osborne, Andy Hamilton, Dennis Smith. Additionally, recognizable entrants included Steve Hine, Paul Cook, Kevin Dowling, Andy Hutchings, Bobby Nixon, Tony Randell, Mark Robinson and, of course, our own Mark Hylton just to give you some idea of the skills pool!

Andy "The Hammer" Hamilton was in top form from the off with a 170 checkout in 1st round.

Mark found himself digging deep early on to beat inform Kevin Dowling 32 in the second round. Reports are that Kevin played exceptionally well and could do no wrong... Indeed a solid test for Mark!

Paul Cook, playing superb darts, defeated Jamie Caven in the quarter final and then went on to win the 7th and deciding leg against Colin Osborne in the semis. Quite a day at the office for Mr. Cook!

Meanwhile, in the other half of the draw exciting things were happening as well. Mark Hylton won a tight match with Steve Hine 43 while Andy Hamilton let slip a 2 nil lead over the talented youngster Ryan Herrington to let Ryan draw level. Ryan then missed a chance to go ahead before "The Hammer" closed things out at 42.

The semi final was up next between Andy Hamilton and Mark. This encounter has been described to me as a nail biter and, according to dear friend Andy Walsh: "the best match of the day."

Mark took the opening leg with a nice 116 checkout. Andy answered promptly, taking the next 2. Mark stormed back to level the match using a welltimed 127 checkout. Mark then took the lead with his "favourite" out double 6. In the 6th leg, Andy was sitting on 16 - an easily made out for someone of Andy's caliber. Mark stepped to the oche on 158. The first dart caught the left corner of the treble 20. The second dart slipped into the treble twenty 3mm to the right of its previously thrown bed partner. Surely not ANOTHER 3 figure checkout from Mile High? The crowd, officials and players, themselves, certainly could feel it! 38 left. The third dart headed toward the double 19 bed and landed snuggled up against the wire... a slight delay while everyone held their breath waiting for the marker to confirm.......No score on that dart - (just) outside of the bed. Andy stepped up and took out the double 8 without difficulty bringing the lads to a decider. Andy cranked his play up a notch and won this one in 15 darts. Hammer time indeed. Andy knew he had escaped a close one!

The final was set between Andy and Paul Cook. Andy blew Paul away with some heavy scoring. The 2nd leg was noteworthy as Andy opened with a 140 then a maximum to leave 181. The marker however showed 141 remaining. 6 darts later and Andy had won the leg with neither player questioning the marker.

Final result 5 1 to Andy Hamilton. Not only a worthy winner and sportsman, but a great guy too as he was very accommodating for photographs and autographs throughout the day.

This was a significant event for Mark showing that he not only continues to improve his already fine form, but that he consistently demonstrates to audiences far and wide his ability to play with the top professionals of our sport.

Mark wishes to pass along his kind regards and sincere gratitude to all who entered the competition as well as the sponsors, Sports Bar - Tamworth, officials and venue/bar staff...not to mention a big thank you for the support from his growing fan base!

Mark Hylton Wins Tat Bank ClassicPosted, Sun Apr 12, 2009 - Write up by Dennis Stokes of Double16.com

Despite a very 'Small' turn out (38) It was as you would expect a very well run completion by Alan 'Dancer' Jones and our own 'Mr's T' - Silver Fox's better half . At the last eight stage you had 4 'Double16.com' members with the following results.

P.PRICE - 2 M.HYLTON - 4
T.RANDELL - 4 M.HOULT - 0
M.TIBBETTS - 4 L.HACKETT - 2
J.YOUNG - 1 R.FOSTER - 4

We came to the semi-final's and what semi's they was with 'Paris' and 'The Lion' going all the way to the tape with 'Paris' beating 'The Lion' 5-4, 'Paris' hitting 9 x 100,8 x 140,123 and 1 x 180 and the 'The Lion' returning 9 x 100,9 x 140,145,125,112,101f and 2 x 180's.

The second semi was also went all the way with Richard 'Dickie' Foster taking out Martin 'The Silver Fox' Tibbetts 5-4, Dickie returning 13 x 100,4 x 140 and 2 x 137 and Martin hitting 7 x 100, 9 x 140, 3 x 121 and 121f.

In the 'final' Mark ran out the winner 5-2 after recording 4 x 100,3 x 140,2 x 125 1 x 135 and 2 x 180 with Richard throwing 6 x 100,120,130,136,140 and 3 x 180.

In the 1st round losers Competition two County team mates Lol Frasier and Matt Tedstone came head to head despite Matt hitting 6x100,5x140,118,123,125 he lost out at the wire 4-3 to Lol's 1 x100,2x125,3x140's and 1 x 180.

Again a well run Competition sponsored by The 99 Club

April Alert!

This month is going to be a very busy and hopefully fruitful month with practice and tournaments geared to the 25th April. This date sees my regional qualifier to enable me to make the Reebok Stadium and the UK Open stage!!

Not only is this a massive competition but it also provides a chance to gain more valuable experience and more importantly attain an improved profile!!

I aim to attend and defend my Newtown Open title on 4th April, the TaT Bank Open, Oldbury 11th April, Macclesfield 12th April, Tipton 13th, April, Stirchley 18th April and any more I can get too!

I have a bit of secret info to divulge.....

I have been approached and confirmed my appearance at a 5 or 6 man round robin event to be held at an undisclosed venue in September. It will be like a Premier League evening and I will be stepping to the oche with some rather well known names. The evening will finish with a final shoot out between the two best players on the night.

I will announce more about this exciting happening when I can -watch this space!!!

All the best....
Mark

this site is proudly supported by:

Many Thanks to Neil Hutchings for all his support, encouragement and guidance. Also, Thank You, Vivienne of Vivienne Bailey Photography for the truly fantastic photo's.

Mark "Mile High" Hylton - British UK Darts Player

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