Mark "Mile High" Hylton - News
Tournament News:
Wolverhampton Open - February 21, 2009
Having lost in the quarter finals to the very talented and dangerous Matt Padgett at the Coronation Arms Knockout the night before, Mark made his way to the Wolverhampton Open courtesy of his good friend Daz Kitchen.
There was a very strong field at the ECC Sports and Social Club chasing the top prize of £500. The entries included PDC players Wayne Jones, Chris Mason, Tony Randell and Nick Fulwell. Additionally, the day's talent included top Midlands players Tom Aldridge, Ian Jones, Dave Pallett and Nigel Heydon among others.
Mark managed to get to the quarter finals, losing 4-1 to Dave Pallett - ex England Youth and a very precocious talent. Having hit 180, 140, 140, it was only after Dave missed a 122 checkout on 14 that Mark was able to check out for a 12 darter on double 10 ! Dave played well and was just too strong on the day for Mark. Mark speaks highly of Dave and says: "he is certainly a name for the near future and one of the strongest young players I have seen."
The winner of the event was the brilliant and consistent Nigel Heydon. Nigel beat Dave Pallett in the semis averaging 96. This set up a meeting for the finals with one of the most underrated players on the scene - Neil Birkin, creator of the ever-popular darts forum Double16. Neil lost to Nigel in the final but played some great darts throughout the entire event, especially overcoming PDC and television star Dave "Menace to Society" Honey in a semi-final clash.
A top match in round one was Wayne Jones against Chris Mason, with Wayne the victor 3-0.
Mark reports that this was again a very well organized competition and recognizes the efforts of Paul Walters on the 21st February.
Cheadle Open - February 22, 2009
Mark competed in the Cheadle Open in Staffordshire on Sunday 22nd February with 96 players toeing the oche at the Cheadle Guild Hall. Notable entrants on show included PDC players Mark Frost, Nigel Birch, Norman Fletcher and the very talented Mark Jodrill. A host of notable county players and local stars were also in attendance, including Dave Giles, Andy Stevenson, Alan Derritt, legendary Les Capewell and the brilliant Geoff Harvey just to name a few!
Mark reports honestly that he has attended better organized competitions. The final between Mark Hylton and Mark Jodrill finished just before 8pm! Mark Jodrill was the victor 4-2 in a very high scoring final that was well supported and applauded by those that waited and showed their appreciation to the pair of Marks.
Mark Hylton had many tough opponents on the way to the final and he, indeed needed to earn his right to be there! Mark candidly reflects that he did not feel too happy with his throwing action on the day, but managed to beat Norman Fletcher, Dave Giles, Craig Hampson, Andy Beardmore and Alan Derritt before facing Mark Jodrill in the final.
Jodrill "is a good friend of Adrian Lewis and a very nice chap who fully deserved his title but I was happy to accept the £170 runners up prize." Stated Mark shortly after the match. Mark would also like to recognize another couple of familiar names: his friends Ryan Herrington and Daz Kitchen for their reaching the last 16!
Late Breaking News: Mark will have qualified for the final stages before the UK Open shortly as the landlord at my local will be putting me straight through.
Bridgnorth Open - February 28, 2009
The Sports Bar in Bridgnorth, Shropshire was the venue for the 2009 Bridgnorth Open on February 28. Traveling courtesy of Andy "Bravedart " Walsh(one of the most enthusiastic players Mark has ever met) and with his good lady Carole, son Matt and Ryan Herrington, the group arrived in plenty of time to find a place to eat breakfast and charge the batteries and prepare for the battle ahead. The Brasserie in the High Street area was the place and is highly recommended - a feast was devoured by all!!
82 players took to the oche and with only 4 boards to play, this meant a long day was potentially in store! Unfortunately Matt, Ryan and Andy lost in early games therefore it went on Mark's shoulders to carry and fly the Midlands flag.
Notable names participating in this event included former world champion Richie Burnett, former PDC player Steve Alker, Avtar Singh, former Welsh captain John Roberts and a host of county players from the West Midlands, Cheshire, Shropshire and Montgomery and Radnor.
Having won the Blue Pool Knockout the night before, Mark was confident of a good showing for the Bridgnorth event and so it transpired. Mark won through to the semi finals beating three good players (Mark Jones, Avtar Singh and Justin Breakwell). Next up was Steve Alker for a place in the final. Having previously beaten Steve at the Newtown Open final, Mark went in with the expectation that it was certain to be a competitive and close game. That expectation was met and the result was a 4-3 victory to Steve and a case of Mark fluffing 6 darts at D16 and D8 to win the game. Steve managed to close the winning double a mighty relieved figure exclaiming "that was a get out of jail free."
Mark reports that he was bitterly disappointed to miss when it really counted-but that' darts! Mark's game was finished at 8:45pm and the final at 9:30pm-truly a long day having commenced at 12:30.
Steve Alker ended up winning the day beating welsh hotshot Daffydd Jones to lift the trophy and a £400 payout to match!!
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.
Upcoming Events
Cannock Open
Saturday 25th July 2009
The Duck,
264 Cannock Road,
Chadsmoor,
Cannock.
WS11 2HE -07886287330
reg:1130-1230.
Winner: £300
Runner-Up: £100
Semis: £50
Contact Darren for pre entry on: 07738355894
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