The first round of 5 events for the 2024 JBD Events Butlin's Cup got underway on Sunday 17th of March at the world famous Minehead resort.
The 4 player tournament features, former 2 x back to back World Champion Adrian 'Jackpot' Lewis, 5 x World Semi Finalist 'Hawaii 501' Wayne Mardle, Former World Finalist Andy ' The Hammer' Hamilton and Former World Master & World Championship Finalist Mark 'Flash' Dudbridge.
SEMI FINAL 1
With all the matches played over best of 7 legs, and the venue packed full of Butlins guests, the afternoon got underway with a repeat of the 2012 World Final. The result also went the same way with Jackpot edging out The Hammer 4-3 in a high quality affair, which included 2 x 11 dart legs from the Former World Champion, who is currently taking a sabbatical from playing on the main PDC tour.
SEMI FINAL 2
In a repeat of the 2005 World Championship Semi Final “Flash” cruised past crowd favourite Wayne Mardle 4-0, winning the first 2 legs on the bull and agonisingly hitting a 25 whilst trying a 3 x bull checkout in leg 3.Dudbridge was growing in confidence and the testing checkout, although not successful, was proof that Mark meant business.
THE FINAL
Lewis was involved in another last leg decider. The Stoke born darts star, who when he stands on the oche, you always get the feeling he can conjure up darting magic, missed 2 crucial match darts that cost him in a high class final. Dudbridge, who could hardly miss the bull all afternoon, again finished 2 legs on a bullseye, astounding the appreciative crowd, got the job done finishing a 4-3 winner.
So after week 1 of 5 it's “ Flash” who tops the group with 2 wins. The action continues on the east coast at Butlins Skegness on Saturday 15th June.
Remaining dates at Butlins Big Weekenders:
Butlins Skegness June 15th
Butlins Bognor September 29th
Butlins Minehead October 20th
Butlins Minehead November 21st
For packages prices, please go to the Butlins website.