OVER 400 hopefuls will be battling for four places at the 2005 Sky Bet World Grand Prix in the Irish Qualifiers this week.

A record total of 427 players will head to the Citywest Hotel in Saggart for the qualifiers in a bid to join the PDC's top stars in the Sky Bet World Grand Prix at the end of October.

Last year, newcomer Peter Quinn earned a place in the Sky Bet World Grand Prix in his first attempt at qualifying for a major tournament.

He was joined by more experienced players Jack McKenna, Brendan Dolan (pictured) and Mark Wilton in the first round draw.

Play commences at midday on Sunday at the Citywest Hotel.

The PDPA Qualifiers take place on Friday 23 September in Newport, and all the qualifiers will join the PDC's top 24 in the Sky Bet World Grand Prix.

Tickets for the Sky Bet World Grand Prix are still available from the Citywest Hotel Box Office - contact darts05@citywesthotel.com or telephone (Outside Ireland) 00353 1401 0505 or (domestic) 01 401 0505.