Andy Chapman was crowned the new N.U.R.S.E. Charity Darts Knockout Champion after he beat Andy Arnott 3-0 in the final.
Held at the Beverley Conservative Club, Chapman who is 50 and from Hull said he even ‘shed a tear’ after winning the converted title.
Speaking to HU17.net Chapman said;
“I was very emotional after winning the title. I have waited 30 years to win competition and to win the N.U.R.S.E. Charity Darts Knockout is just fantastic.”
“For the past three years I have been eliminated in the first round, this year I all I wanted to do was progress to the second round. There is nothing worse come 7.30pm you are out and all you do is watch.”
“In the past I have had a very tough first round draw, I am the sort of player that grows in confidence the more games I play which you saw tonight.”
“For most players after you get a couple of matches under your belt you tend to settle down and that defiantly happened for me.”
On his way to the final, Chapman who plays for The Ship Inn in the Beverley League faced some familiar faces. He beat team mates Harry Wilson and Barry Robertson.
He added;
“There is a friendly rivalry between us. It was not till I beat Steve Taylor in the quarter finals that I thought I really had a chance to win the title.”
Chapman has been playing darts locally for 35 years, in that time he has reached nine finals though never quite managed to win. Only two weeks back he lost to Terry Jackson in the Doubles final.
Jackson who was widely regarded as one of the main contenders for Monday’s contest was KO’d in the first round by Paul Brooks. Despite Brooks looking in good form Chapman eased past Brooks to reach the final.
In the final Chapman carried on his good form clinching to a 3-0 win, finishing the game on high checking out by scoring 126 with T19 S19 and then a bull to lift his first ever singles title.
Chapman said;
“I was thrilled to bits, I have loads of messages from people congratulating me, it has been a long wait but worthwhile.”
The big man showed he has a kind heart as he and the runner up handed back their cash prize to the charity, he said;
“It is not about money, for me and most of the players it is about the trophy, and I done that.”
“This is the best competition, you get all the best players in Beverley going head to head so is the one the one to win.”
“It caps off what has been a fine season for our team too. We have won the league, won the cup and now I have added this title to our collection.”
“There is no doubt I will be back next year where I will certainly do my best to defend my title.”
