Since 1974, the World Masters has been one of the true highlights of the international darts calendar.  In recent years, the Masters has traditionally been accompanied by Lakeside World Championship playoffs, which gives the players an extra day of darts while they are in England, and an extra opportunity for glory!

This year, two extra events have been added, making it a busier week for everyone.  Firstly, there is the Lakeside World Youth Playoffs, which now gives the youngsters a second event, and is held alongside the adult Lakeside Playoffs on Wednesday.  Before then, however, is an event open to ALL players – the Grand Slam Playoffs.

Held on Tuesday, October 6, all players – men, women, and youth – compete together in an effort to qualify for the Singha Beer Grand Slam of Darts.  The field will be split into two brackets; one for British players, and one for the Rest of the World.  Two players from each group will qualify for the PDC’s totally revamped Grand Slam to be held in Wolverhampton next month.

The American contingent comprises the following players (not all players are playing in all events) :

Youth
Carl Di Cicco (OH)
Dan Robbins (MA)

Women
Lisa Ayers (TN)
Sandy Hudson (SC)

Men
Doug Boehm (NY)
Larry Butler (OH)
Joe Chaney (TN)
Leonard Gates (TX)
Chuck Hudson (SC)
Bill Nicoll (OH)
Tim Nicoll (OH)
Bruce Robbins (MA)
Jim Widmayer (NY)

Of course, many of the above players are veterans of the international scene, but there are a few players making their overseas debut, including both youth entrants.  Of the three men making their Masters debut, neither Tim Nicoll nor Leonard “Soldier” Gates are short of top-level international experience.  Buffalo’s Doug Boehm is the one true newcomer, but is looking to build on his impressive singles win at the Syracuse Open earlier in the year.

The three competing only in the GSoD Playoffs are Chuck Hudson (following wife Sandy into the international arena), Bill Nicoll (who played in the Masters some 25 years ago), and Bruce Robbins (Dan’s father), who competed in the 1996 PDC World Matchplay.

Finally, please spare a thought for Cleveland’s Marlise Kiel.  Marlise qualified for the Masters from the ADO Playoffs, but was forced to withdraw through injury.

The draws for every event have not yet been published, but here are the first match pairings for all Americans in the Grand Slam Playoffs.

Draws for other events will be posted later, but in the meantime, Good Darts and Good Luck to everyone!

• Since posting the above information, Leonard Gates has announced his withdrawal from all events this week.

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