PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion James Hubbard returned to his former school earlier this week with new sponsor Smart Darts 4 Kids.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Hubbard, who was joined by Smart Darts inventor and owner Steve Mottershead, introduced Smart Darts to children at Ashleigh Infant and Nursery School at Wymondham on Monday.

The innovative game features a dartboard with different numbers, an empty bullseye and a set of darts which stick to the board.

Children can then throw the darts at the numbers and say the answer to the sum depending on where the darts land, while the bullseye circle can be used by the teachers to write on their own equations.

Mr Mottershead said he came up with the idea for the course through his work as an announcer, which he said had improved his own maths skills.

He said: “I spent many years calling darts scores in exhibitions and events. I noticed that my maths improved dramatically without me even trying.

“That is what Smart Darts 4 Kids is all about. The children will be engaging in a game whilst improving their maths, without realising they are actually learning. It is fun but also very successful.”

Hubbard, who was impressed with the course, added:  “I think it is perfect for helping children to count, which is fantastic.”

For more information on Smart Darts 4 Kids or to order the game visit  www.smartdarts4kids.co.uk

You can buy the game for £27.99 plus £1.99 p + p via the website or by emailing orders@smartdarts4kids.co.uk stating the quantity you wish to order.

The VIP Experience

The River Centre, Medway Wharf Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1RE

Saturday 20th October 2012

includes:

James Wade
Raymond Van Barneveld
Terry Jenkins
Vincent Van Der Voort
Dennis Priestly
Tony O’Shea
Andy Fordham

with:

‘Sky Sports’ Rod Harrington

plus 2 local qualifiers

Tickets £60*

 BUY TICKETS

Michael van Gerwen powered to victory at Sunday’s Players Championship in Birmingham, as he hit form to claim his second Pro-Tour triumph of 2012.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

The Dutchman, who won a UK Open qualifier in Crawley in February, produced brilliant darts to clinch the £6,000 prize, culminating in a 6-1 victory over Simon Whitlock in the final.

He had already beaten John Bowles, Jamie Lewis, Mark Walsh and Dennis Priestley before posting an enormous 108.94 average in his quarter-final against Justin Pipe, which the 23-year-old won 6-1.

van Gerwen saw off Speedy Services UK Open winner Robert Thornton 6-2 in the semi-final, before defeating ‘The Wizard’ in the final.

“It feels great,” said van Gerwen, who lost only four legs in his last three matches combined. “It’s the third Pro-Tour event I’ve won since I joined the PDC and I played some good darts today.

“I’m very happy to have won and it should help me qualify for the World Grand Prix as well as the World Matchplay, which is great.

“I showed that I can play against slower players like Justin Pipe, Mark Walsh and Dennis Priestley and that will give me a lot of confidence.”

Whitlock continued the form that has seen him reach two of the three televised finals since the World Championship, beating Roland Scholten, Mark Dudbridge, Andy Hamilton and Andy Smith to reach the quarter-finals.

The Australian ace then swept past Mervyn King and Wes Newton, as he reached the final and claimed £3,000 in prize money.

Thornton boosted his hopes of qualifying for the World Matchplay with a run to the semi-finals, which included wins over Gary Anderson, Steve Beaton and a 6-0 whitewash over Richie Burnett.

By Chris Murphy

Fancy your chances against top PDC players? – Try your hand at the qualifiers for the Bournemouth Masters… http://fb.me/26JFOw24k