HUNDREDS of people turned out to watch two of the best darts players in history go head to head in Chester on Saturday night (February 24).
The Ace of Sports Darts Championship 2024 was held at the Racecourse in Chester, following last year's success in Mynydd Isa.
There were over 400 people in attendance to watch Michael Van Gerwen take on Phil 'The Power' Taylor, as well as the Ace of Sports final.
On February 4, 64 local competitors battled it out for a place in the 2024 final, where a massive opportunity to face either Van Gerwen or Taylor.
The two finalists were Flintshire pair Andy Alker and Colin Snead, the winner of which would take on the winner of MVG vs The Power.
In front of a packed crowd, Alker defeated Snead in the semi-final, while 'The Green Machine' overcame Taylor. And to the shock of most in the room, Alker went on to beat Van Gerwen in the final to take the prize!
As well as the matches on show, there were plenty of auctions and prizes on offer for the crowd.
Following the evening, event organiser John Jones said: “To be able to bring this event to the local area is something I’ll always be proud of!
"I’m just so happy so many from the community got to experience it. When I was a kid playing for Liverpool, everyone had Steven Gerrard as their idol. I had Phil Taylor.
"To promote this game between him and the player people regard as the best of all time, Michael Van Gerwen, in the battle of the best ever is something not only I’ll never forget but a memory that will live long in the memory of the community for years to come!’’
Michael Van Gerwen said: ‘’I came last year and it was a special night. This time in Chester it was even more phenomenal. It was a pleasure to share the stage with Phil one last time. What he’s done for darts you can’t take away from him. He is the greatest but I am the best.’’
Phil 'The Power' Taylor said: ‘’John and the Ace Of Sports team have put so much effort into this. You can see they don’t do things by halves. I’ve really enjoyed coming to Chester and to have such support here tonight was special for me.’’
Finally, the Ace of Darts Champion for 2024, Andy Alker added: ‘’The whole experience from walking into the Argoed social club for the qualifiers to lifting the trophy on Saturday night was incredible, it's an experience that I will always remember and to share the experience with Colin whom I have so much respect for and who helped me along the way made the night so special.
"I'd like to thank John and everyone at Ace of Sports for the effort they all put in to make the night happen. Without people like John and his team putting the community putting on events like this, ordinary people would never get to be on a stage showing the talent that we have.
"Hopefully, next year will get bigger again and I'm looking forward to trying to defend the title "
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