TWO Swindon-based stars won prestigious titles at the Swindon Advertiser's annual Sports Awards recently.
Johnny Haines scooped the Performance of the Year award following a vote by readers of by the supportive local newspaper, in recognition of his victory over Raymond van Barneveld in last year's Dutch Darts Masters European Tour event.
Haines took a memorable 6-5 win in his second round clash with van Barneveld in Nuland, and went on to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament, which helped to seal a Ladbrokes World Championship debut.
"It's amazing to win the award but I didn't realise I had so many fans in Swindon!" Haines told the Swindon Advertiser. "Beating Barney is still my best win in the game, particularly in front of his home fans."
He added: "There are quite a few of us [from Swindon] playing in the PDC, so darts in the town is growing lots. It's great that the sport is being recognised."
Josh McCarthy was voted as Young Sportsman of the Year after his success on the PDC Unicorn Youth Tour and also in winning the English Masters Youth title last July.
"It's absolutely amazing and probably one of the best feelings I've ever had," said McCarthy. "It's great to get this award and playing on the PDC Youth Tour was a great experience."
Meanwhile, veteran Swindon ace Dennis Smith was named as the runner-up in their Sports Personality of the Year award, which went to local speedway manager Alun Rossiter.
Smith's second place in the category saw him placed ahead of Paralympian Louise Hunt and former Swindon Town manager Paolo Di Canio!
Pictures courtesy of Swindon Advertiser