RIZAL 'JOJO' BARELLANO will be the first Philippines player to compete at the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship this December.
Barellano, the current National Darts Federation of Philippines number one, won through their qualifying competition to earn a place in the Preliminary Round at Alexandra Palace.
The 42-year-old from Davao City was the NDFP number one last year and his success in the World Championship qualifier has seen him move back into that position from third.
He won the Talakudong Open, Tinalak Open and the 69th Awar ng Dabao event last year, and was the runner-up in the 2007 Mayor Miguel Cup.
Barellano will be one of eight international players to compete in the Preliminary Round of the World Championship following the tournament's expansion.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for Jojo and he deserves many congratulations for his success," said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.
"Our World Championship has been shown in the Philippines for some time now on Solar Sports and the game is becoming immensely popular there - as was seen in the hundreds of entrants who played in the qualifier.
"We wish Jojo the best of luck at Alexandra Palace and look forward to welcoming him to London."
Tickets for the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship are still available through 0871 230 1092 or www.seetickets.com/darts.
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