Pub darts team captain beats world champion

John Murphy, skipper of the Ash Tree pub’s darts team along with his fellow players had the opportunity to play against Gary Anderson after winning Punch’s Darts Classic competition last year.

• ‘World’s biggest’ team darts tournament won by Durham pub​

With more than 900 teams entering the Punch Darts Classic, the Ash Tree in Spennymoor, Durham, came out top. As well as the title of winners and receiving £2,500 for their success, team members were also given the opportunity to play darts against reigning champ, Gary Anderson, at a World Matchplay Darts event held in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

• Punch introduces licensee darts challenge for first time​

Murphy said: “I thoroughly enjoy playing in Punch’s Darts Classic event, it is a great competition and lots of fun for everyone who takes part. Last year was the second time we won so I can’t wait to see the outcome of this year’s competition.”

The darts competition is free to enter and is open to all pub darts teams nationwide and all matches must be played in a Punch pub. 

Commercial director at Punch, John Healy, said: “Our annual darts competition is also a big hit with our publicans and customers. It’s a great opportunity for publicans to drive footfall while organising an event that puts them at the heart of the local community. It’s the biggest competition of its kind in the world and we’re looking forward to seeing who wins this year.”