The Hampshire Darts Open is flying in the right direction with the announcement of a new sponsor for the country’s biggest one-day tournament.

New Southampton car dealership Doves Vauxhall have put their name to the successful competition for 2012.

Up to 450 players are expected to toe the oche at the city’s Novotel and neighouring Ibis on Saturday, May 26.

That will be when pub, club and super league players get the opportunity to line up against county, international and professional players.

Past winners include former world champion Les Wallace, Colin Monk, who has secured the title three times, and his son Arron.

Doves are part of Cambria – one of the fastest growing motor groups in the UK.

General manager at Southampton, Richard Harwood and sales manager Darren Barnaby, are both darts fans and pleased to be supporting the popular event.

Harwood said: “Effectively we are a new company and are trying to get as many people as possible to know of us from the local area.

“I love watching darts on television when I can and will certainly go along to the competition.”

Full story in Clive Downton's darts spotlight in today's Daily Echo