It’s a memory they will never forget for Newfoundland dart players Colby Burke and Joanne Walsh, who both competed at the World Masters Dart Tournament in Budapest, Hungary, October 9th -13th
Both players qualified for the worlds through the provincial qualifier held in Gander in March and the Nationals in St. Hyacinth, Quebec, in May of this year.
Newfoundland had six dart players who competed in the senior and junior categories and qualified for the Worlds Tournament in Budapest, including Grace Kennedy, Liv Lundrigan, Jordan Crocker, Kiana Clark, and Logan Connors. However, only Lundrigan, Crocker, and Clarke made the trip besides Burke. Walsh from Bishop Falls and Tina Chaisson from Happy Valley-Goose Bay participated in the ladies’ adult category.
From Labrador City, Burke was placed in the top 128th in the World Masters Tournament. He said the competition level was something he had never experienced before, said Burke.
“Some games you watch and wish it would never end. Some of the best 17 to 18-year-old youth players were defeated by 12 to 13-year-olds. It was impossible, but these younger kids' skills were mind-blowing. I played some games where I felt like I was playing good darts, but when I looked at the score, I was losing and nowhere near what I needed to be to compete with my opponent. It was unbelievable.”
Walsh placed 64th, losing to 28th-time champion Veronica Ihasz. She said that coming from a small town with few opportunities to play in bigger venues made it a little hard for her to prepare mentally, but she surprised herself by winning some legs.
“I just wanted to play to the best of my abilities. Winning sets and moving on to the next round went beyond my expectations. It was hot and uncomfortable in the venue on the first day, but as the week progressed, it became bearable as long as you stay hydrated. I’m not used to playing against a lot of players. You tend to put unnecessary pressure on yourself to perform well.”
She also said the level of play at this year's event was unmatched.
“Beau Greaves [returning world champion] whitewashed her opponents from start to finish. Although there were some fantastic ranked and unranked players, she was unbeatable, dropping one leg throughout the round-robin for the world masters. It was truly a testament to how great a player she is, and retaining her title for the second year was undeniable. The same goes for the men and the youth. Canada was well represented and had great results for many players throughout the week.”
Burke said that in Labrador City, the only dart practice time he receives is when he plays with his dad in his basement, in addition to provincial and national qualifying tournaments. Burke said that standing side by side with international players is a significant accomplishment. He feels participating in this tournament will make him a better player because now he knows what to expect.
“I have so many good memories from this tournament, but if I had to pick a single moment, it would be winning my first game. It also gave me confidence that I can compete at this level. I will never forget this experience.”
Walsh said besides the intense competition, she enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie between players, which made it incredibly special.
“I am proud of my play and hope to one day earn the chance to compete at this level again. I have achieved more in the last 3-4 years than I could have dreamed. It was an honour to represent Canada and my fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians on the world stage.”
Burke said the key to this level is simply believing in yourself.
“If someone had told me nine months ago that I would be representing Canada and myself at the World Masters, I would have said I would not have a chance. But I made the best of the opportunity and tried my hardest every step of the way.”
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