Darren and Kevin Young interview: Anzac Open

In place of the cancelled Anzac Grand Prix, the Anzac Open will take place at Murray Bridge Dart Club (MBDC) next Saturday and Sunday, April 24-25.

This two day event will see doubles action getting underway on the Saturday, with singles events taking place on the Sunday.

DA Media caught up with father and son duo, MBDC President Darren Young and Tournament Director Kevin Young to take us through the tournament.

“The committee decided to make it an ‘open’ this year to hopefully get a few more local players interested in playing.” Kevin said.

The grand prix events are run in conjunction with the WDF, but because of COVID overseas they have put a stop to WDF tournaments.”

“So in terms of that there’s no WDF ranking points associated with tournaments in Australia.” Kevin added.

Depending on border restrictions, Kevin said he’s hopeful that some interstate players do come over to South Australia to compete.

“It (the tournament) will predominately feature South Australian competitors, but I have a few contacts interstate from Queensland and Victoria who are looking to come over.”

“It will be a touch and go thing – to see if there’s any border closures, but we are hopeful.”

Kevin thanked the Murray Bridge Council, who is the event’s major sponsor.

“Our big sponsor is the Murray Bridge Council, who have thrown in the majority of the prize money, so a big thank you to them.”

Darren commented that events like these are all about getting the community back on the dartboards, as well as introducing the sport to potential new participants.

“It’s one of those things where it’s always better playing darts, than not playing darts.” Darren said.

“Hopefully making it an ‘open’ gets us more people in the area who aren’t affiliated, coming along to see what we do, and we might get them into a club and ultimately more people playing darts.”

“It’s also exciting to have the community back at our venue. Our clubrooms are members owned clubrooms, which we acquired back in 1984.” Darren added.

Kevin commented that darts is also a great way to keep in touch with friends,

“This year I’ve done a bit of traveling to Victoria already and it’s good to have tournaments back on and catching up with friends I haven’t seen in a while.”

For early nominations or questions, contact murraybridgedartclub@gmail.com

For more information on the 2021 Anzac Open, stay tuned to Darts Australia’s Facebook page and the Murray Bridge Dart Club Facebook group.