2007 William Cross Pro Am

I recently had the privilege to spend 5 days and nights in Wollongong and Dapto in New South Wales where I was asked by Dart Players Australia to act as Tournament Director for one of their calendar's major events, the William Cross Pro Am.  The tournament carries a prize purse of $44,200 and represents a new direction in Darts for Australia.  I've been involved in darts for over 30 years and it definitely opened my eyes as to the future of the sport in this country.  As part of the whole package I was also lucky enough to meet and spend a bit of time with the four International players invited to play in this event, Canadian John Part, two time World Champion, Welshman Richie Burnett, last years winner and former World Champion, and two Englishmen, one of darts leading funny men Andy Jenkins and current World Matchplay winner James Wade.  James pocketed a cool 50,000 pounds (AUD$123,500) for this feat only a couple of weeks before heading down under.  Not bad for 23 years of age.

James also went on to win the William Cross winning another $15,000.  Andy Jenkins was runner up, equal 3rd were John Part and Queenslander Glenn Power.  Glenn defeated Richie in the quarterfinal to be the only Australian through to the semis.  As I said, a fantastic event.  I'm also heading to Geelong in September, 23rd - 25th, to run the Australian Open, another DPA event worth a cool $47,500.  Everyone should make the effort to see this, even play in it if you have the chance.  The experience itself is worth it.

The Park Trent Internationals.

Laurie McAlpine, John Part, James Wade, Richie Burnett, Andy Jenkins & Gary Sinnott.

Andy Jenkins & Queenslander Glenn Power.