Report From The Bob Jones

Well I didn't think it would happen, but thanks to a bit of luck and some generous friends and family I actually made it out to the 22nd Bob Jones Memorial Dart Tournament. 
Considering that the biggest dart tournament I had attended up to that point was the Darts Ontario 'Zone Shoots', I must say I think I picked a good one as my first real tournament to attend. 

CFB Trenton and the Duke

While at first I thought the tournament was hosted near the base, it turns out I was wrong, and it is actually on base in the 'Astra Lounge, home of the 'Earl of Bessborough' a decent little pub, that I think was staffed with civilians, but can't say for 100%.  CFB (Canadian Forces base) Trenton is home to 8 Wing, which provides the Canadian military with strategic lift capability, as well as SAR (Search and Rescue) operations.  The Bar is in fact named for the 9th Earl of Bessborough, who as Governor General laid the cornerstone at the base's opening in 1931, and was opened by 8 Wing Commander Colonel Colin Keiver as an 'all ranks' social house where members could talk and interact.
On this weekend however, the Earl was taken over by dart players, and it was quite a buzz and quite a decent sized crowd. It was also for the most part a pretty friendly crowd.  I knew that people were there to play, and/or hang out with their friends in the down times so I didn't make any real attempts to hob nob, but just about everyone had a smile for me.  

The Big Names

Well yes, and in fact quite a few of them.  I am not sure I actually kept track of them, but among the Canadian players was darting legend Bob Sinnaeve, Ross Snook, Maria Mason, Adam Stella, Dave Cameron, Trish Grzesik, and of course three time world champion John Part.  (and more!) 
There were also a few American players I recognized, but since all of their names start with 'K' I am embarrassed to say I forgot who was who. 
Of all of them, I think I liked watching Grzesik throw the most, as there is an awesome smoothness to her throw.  Although I must say that I find it cool that my friend Ethel finished ahead of her. Go Teng! 

The Big Guy (John Part of course)

I watched one of John Parts matches (which he won) and let me tell you, he was in a grouchy mood.  To his credit he did say that he only complained when he won (because if you complain when you lose you're an asshole).  i wish I could have asked him about some of the stuff he was complaining about, as I think he likely had a valid point, but at the time he really wasn't in a listening mood.
By the end of the event Part was in a better mood, as I even snapped a picture of him with some friends of mine from Toronto, who had also attended. 
Well, grouchy or not, it was still cool to see a legend, not just of Canadian darts, but of darts history, play the game.  
​I wonder if they'll ever give him the Order of Canada? 

The Men's Final 

The men's final pitted Adam Stella against 'Wicked Wannabe' Shawn Clohecy.  
This had been a great weekend for Stella, who had won the mixed triples, the men's four man, and the men's doubles and placed second in the singles cricket.  For the final, he would have to settle for another 2nd place, as Clohecy took the day.  "My heart wont stop pounding" he commented afterwards, his face clearly showing his elation at having won the event. 

One thing that I did find strange, was that I was among about only ten or so people that watched the final.  I suppose people have their own lives and want to get going back home, but it also strikes me, that for some their interest ends when it is no longer about them.  This is my first of these tournaments, so I can't really judge, or say for certain that next time I wont be one of those people that leave once I'm knocked out, but I do think that as a sport darts in Canada, if it is to flourish must be come to be known more as a spectator sport than it is a participant sport.  

Well, either way, I'm glad I stuck around to watch. Full credit, by the way to Lakeside bound Dave Cameron who not only stuck around, but marked the final.  I spoke briefly with Cameron a few times during the event and he seemed a gent and a fine ambassador for Canadian darts. 

Adam Stella Reveals the Shocking Truth About Jeff Smith.

Adam Stella was gracious enough to take a few moments to do a quick interview for Dart Board Chats.  It isn't long, but what what we learn is a shocker for the world of darts.
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DBC:  Hi Adam, I have a darts blog and was wondering if you could do a super quick, one question interview?

Adam Stella: yeah sure, go for it!

DBC:  Is it true that you taught Jeff Smith everything he knows about darts?

Adam Stella: 100%!  I'm also glad that you recognize that fact! 
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As you can see, all in good fun, but expect a bit longer (and a tiny bit) more serious of an interview in the next edition of the blog! 

Just How Did I Do? 

All things considered, i did alright actually.  My first and foremost plan was just to go there and have fun and soak everything in, and on that mission accomplished.
My other plan was to keep my nerve throughout, and push comes to shove I think I mostly did that as well. 
Hindsight being 20/20 though, next time around I would do one major thing differently.  That is, get a proper sleep the night before the main singles shoot. 
To start the shoot, well I was doing fine, great even, but then I just ran out of gas and any ability whatsoever to focus.  I think that this was the difference between making it out of the round robin group and not.  
I felt disappointed, knowing that I could have done better, and that disappointment has lingered with me for a few days, but now I know what to do better for next time.  
As far as playing tournaments vs playing league darts, well if I have to choose I'll take the tournaments. 
Ok and join me next time where we will have a Full Adam Stella Interview!  

See you all next time!  Thanks as always for reading!!