THE Crafty Cockney Eric Bristow scored a bullseye with darts fans when he stepped up to the oche in Odiham.
The five-time darts world champion played 16 games against regulars at The Crown, in Alton Road, on Tuesday night.
Despite his reputation as one of the greatest-ever players, Mr Bristow found the competition tough going - but he still kept a smile on his face.
Phil Burgess, who manages the pub, said: "He was beaten by three players and there were a couple of games where he should have lost but managed to win.
"It was a really good night. Everyone had a great time."
Mr Bristow said he still gets a buzz from playing in front of a crowd.
He said: "When you've been in people's homes for 20 years, they're never going to forget you. But it's great when you're playing in a pub - the atmosphere builds up and people start shouting. That's what it's all about."
For life-long darts fan Mr Burgess, the chance to have one of his idols visit his pub was a dream come true.
He said: "When Punch Taverns bought The Crown, there was a limited number of introductory events on offer so I got on the phone as soon as possible. I grew up watching darts."
First published: Friday, April 22, 2005
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