Teapot just fails to win cup
John Smith's People's Darts champion Tim 'The Teapot' Jones made a stunning debut in his first professional event.
Jones made it all the way to the final of the BDO Torremelinos Open last week, where he was eventually beaten 3-0 by Martin Goodin.
His appearance in the tournament was part of his prize for winning the inaugural Publican-backed John Snmith's People's Darts championship.
In that event he represented the Rose and Crown pub in Briton Ferry, South Wales, and took on amateur players from across the country and triumphed in the final at the Lakeside, in Frimley Green, before the BDO World Championship.
Jones, who is called the Teapot because of his unique throwing stance, said: "I had the time of my life in Torremolinos. It was my first ever trip abroad and to have spent it with such wonderful people from the British Darts Organisation made it extra special.
"I also had lots of support from the only Welsh bar in Torremolinos - The Vic - in which owners Kevin and Carole Searley not only provided me with lots of pints of John Smith's, but also looked after me by laundering my John Smith's shirt and allowing me to practice before each match. They became my lucky charm.
"It was nerve wracking playing so many good BDO county players, as well as those from France, Spain and Gibraltar, but once I'd got the first game under my belt it just got better and better."
He added he now hoped to make it back to the Lakeside stage.
"A year ago I couldn't have even dreamed that I'd be involved in darts of the highest possible standard. But if I could qualify for the World Pro that would prove the real magic of John Smith's People's Darts.
"Just imagine if I actually made it to the Lakeside stage to play in the greatest World Championship in darts - just 12 months after winning the John Smith's title on the same stage?"
