TOP players and amateur throwers are preparing to toe the oche for the 2005 Daily Echo/Novotel Hampshire Open.

The hugely popular competition is just five weeks away but entries have once again been pouring in on the double.

Title holder Les Wallace has promised to defend his crown and plenty more stars from the TV are expected to try to take it off him.

But the majority of applications have come from pub, club, super league and county players who all relish the opportunity to take on the stars from TV.

The competition, staged at Southampton's Novotel, is organised by the Hampshire Darts Organisation and spokesman Frank Branscombe said: "I'm pleased to say that this year's open is following the pattern of the past five years, which is good news.

"We are proud of the Hampshire Open which has quickly become the most popular county open in the country."

The competition always attracts a maximum field of 450, which was more players than last year's English Open. As well as former world champion Les Wallace, past winners include one-time world master Colin Monk, England's Paul Hogan and Ronnie Baxter and county player Paul Carter.

WESTERN DOCKS: END OPEN

This double event tournament will have an adult prize fund of £400 and a total prize fund for young players of £100.

It will be staged at The Place, West End on April 9.

Entry on the day will be £6. More information is available from Gene Bagley on 023 8036 1591 (afternoons) or 07734 703381 after 6pm.

ITCHEN & DISTRICT MEN

The league's summer meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 4 and teams interested in competing should turn up on the night at the Pear Tree, Sholing for an 8.30pm start.

SKILL LEAGUE

Bishop's Waltham fell to a narrow defeat on their board against visitors Hedge End.

Sheila Egerton, Chris Hampton and Judy Lawrence were the winners for Bishop's Waltham. Sophie Cunningham, Nancy Butt, Julie Parker and Paula Allen completed the win for Hedge End.

Julie Parker's 125 was the highest score of the round.

Eastleigh TOWN & GUESTS

Six more maximums have been added to the league's 180 haul. Danny Ballard (Obelisk), Chris Witts, Paul Dunn (Bitterne), D Bonnett (Netley), Malcolm Hunt, Andy Elvin and M Dunkinson (Arrow) all hit the magic score.

Just three fixtures remain now and already officials are looking at the summer season. A meeting is to be held at the Loco Club in Eastleigh on April 27, at 7pm.

New teams are welcome and should contact Mick Collins on 01489 584806.

BISHOP'S WALTHAM MEN

Brian Biddle (Sam's) was in good form as he threw a maximum and a 155 finish.

Brian Cole, Darren Cook (Black Dog), Stewart Pink (Grapes), C Pearce (Sam's) and Chris Bryant (Cricketers) also hit maximums.

A Wearn (Park Gate) went out with 108.

BISHOP'S WALTHAM SUMMER LEAGUE

Teams wishing to enter the 2005 summer season should attend the annual meeting on April 12.

New officials will need to be elected as Lou Nash announced that he would be stepping down this season.

The meeting will begin at 8.30pm at the Bishop's Waltham Social Club.

COBWEB SOLUTIONS Fareham MEN'S SUMMER LEAGUE

Officials have confirmed two divisions for the new season which starts on Monday, April 25.

Fixtures will be available from Fareham British Legion on Monday, April 11, after 7.30pm.