Coventry’s interest in the Coral UK Open ended on day one last Friday at Butlin’s Minehead, writes Ziad Chaudry.
Steve Beaton won down 9 legs to 5 to Scotland’s Peter Wright in round three.
Former PDC professional Kevin Dowling, a design engineer who booked his Butlin’s place through the Rileys Amateur Qualifier in Solihull last month, began his campaign on the floor stage with a 6-2 victory over Dutchman Dick van Dijk before losing 6-1 in round 2 to Jermaine Wattimena.
Ian McFarlane, the winner of the Worcester qualifiers, was a first round loser against PDC regular Jonny Clayton 6-2.
This darts event is formatted like football’s FA Cup where the amateurs mix with the big boys of the world PDC circuit.
Barry Lynn had the best run from the 32 amateurs who took part in Coral UK Open. The Essex-based darter who won through the South Benfleet qualifier, scored the prize scalp of current world champion Gary Anderson before losing to Holland’s current world number one Michael van Gerwen in the last eight.