… 46 Guyanese confirmed

JAMAICA darts players have pulled out of this weekend’s Independence International tournament.
In an invited comment yesterday, president of the Guyana Darts Association (GDA) Sheik Yassin confirmed that the Jamaicans will not be a part of the three-day tournament, which will commence tomorrow and conclude on Sunday at the Millennium Manor Hotel on Hadfield Street in Georgetown.
Yassin also confirmed that Barbados and Jamaica are yet to confirm their participation.
However, he indicated that 46 Guyanese, inclusive of six female players, have so far confirmed their participation, along with 15 Trinidadians.
The tournament, the first major event under the new executives will see participants compete in four categories, male and female Singles, Luck of the Draw and Mixed Nation.
The Luck of the Draw will take centre stage on the opening day, followed by the Mixed Nations Doubles on day two, and the Male and Female Singles on the final day.
The Luck of the Draw is open to practically anyone who believes he/she has the ability to play the game, while the Mixed Nations Doubles will see a local player being paired with one from overseas.
Participants will pay a fee of US$15 to enter each category. The Independence International will start at 18:00hrs on the first two days and at 12:00hrs on the final day. Over US$3000 in cash would be up for grabs.
Reigning Caribbean Singles champion, Guyanese Sudesh Fitzgerald will be a part of the tournament. Luis Ramirez-Merlano, who teamed up with Fitzgerald to win the Caribbean Doubles title last year in Barbados, will also be on show for Guyana.
Other players who are expected to defend home turf in the Male division are Lalchand Rambharose, Anil Lachhman, Sherwin Greene, Anthony Bissoondyal and Bholanauth Ramdyal, while on the distaff side, Guyana will be represented by Rosetta Hiralall, Shondell Hyles, Hemwantie Amyan, Victorine Chandro and Melissa Smartt among others.
With this tournament, the association aims to lay the foundation to host the Caribbean Championships in 2020.