Barnes competes at world dart tourney

On Sept. 4, Robin Barnes of Heatherton represented Canada at the Winmau World Masters Dart Tournament in Bridlington, England.

The trip came about after winning the World Masters qualifier at the Youth National Dart Tournament held in St. Hyacynth, QC in May. In winning, Barnes became the first female youth dart player from this province to play at this international event.

Robin and Albertan Trevor Hovey competed against players from 15 other countries around the world. Other members of the Canadian team included Roxanne van Tassel, Clint Clarkson, Terry Hayhurst, Steve Vautour and Newfoundlander Troy Hanlon.

Robin put forth a valiant effort in her set against Holly Glet, but Glet won with a final score of 4 to 1. Because she's only 13-years-old and the youth category goes up to 18 years, she insists that she will go back and compete again.

She says while she was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the level of competition, she had the opportunity to meet and have her picture taken with some of the top dart players in the world - including Martin Adams, current Men's World Master Tournament champ.

The Barnes family says they are thankful for all of the help and support they received in making this opportunity.

Meanwhile, Robin is back playing youth darts with the Heatherton Youth Dart League. They currently have 33 members.

Morley Greening, director for Youth Darts in Newfoundland and Labrador, is trying to encourage others to become involved in this sport. He said the youth players have competed for approximately 15 years at the national level and have enjoyed many successes He stressed that youth should be supported and encouraged, as they have the talent and dedication required to succeed.