A RECORD number of almost 2,500 players will compete in the Rileys Qualifiers over the next month as they bid to win one of 32 places in the Speedy Services UK Open.
The Rileys Qualifiers, which will be knockout events held in Rileys Darts Zones around the UK, will see 32 amateur darts players win a spot in the Sky Sports-televised UK Open in Bolton, which is held from June 7-10.
Events will be held from April 21-May 20, with knockouts taking place in 32 Rileys Clubs across England, Scotland and Wales.
A record number of nearly 2,500 entries - which is an increase of over 500 on last year - have been made for the Rileys Qualifiers, as players clamour to earn the right to take on the likes of Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld and reigning Speedy Services UK Open champion James Wade in Bolton.
The 32 Rileys Qualifiers join 32 Speedy Services Qualifiers in joining the leading 96 professionals (plus ties) following their eight qualifying events in competing in the televised finals.
"We're delighted to have seen such great interest in the Rileys Qualifiers," said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.
"The amateur qualifiers for the Speedy Services UK Open give the ordinary man in the street their big chance to win a place in a major televised tournament and rub shoulders with the biggest names in darts.
"This is a unique event and the increased interest we've seen by amateur players in both the Speedy Qualifiers and Rileys Qualifiers reflects the continued growth in popularity of darts."
The Rileys Qualifiers will begin at 12pm (unless stated below). Players will need to register before 11am on the day (5pm for 6pm start) and all games will be the best of seven legs.
Rileys Qualifiers Dates & Venues:
April 21
Cardiff
Chester
Colchester
Lincoln
Middlesbrough
April 22
Bristol
Chorlton-cum-Hardy
Gillingham
Hull
London (Victoria)
Sunderland
May 5
Coatbridge
Oxford
Twickenham
May 6
Edinburgh
Norwich
Worcester
May 12
Basildon
Bolton
Brighton
Burton-on-Trent
Leicester (6pm start time)
Taunton
Wolverhampton
May 13
Chesterfield (6pm start time)
Coventry
Nottingham
Reading
Stevenage
Wigan
May 19
Aberdeen
May 20
Stirling
Tickets for the Speedy Services UK Open in June are now on General Sale - click here for full information.
For more information about Speedy Services, visit www.speedyservices.com.