MORE than 200 spectators and players packed the Entertainer last Saturday to witness the first Andover Invitation singles knock-out, sponsored by TriStar Inns and Timpsons.
Doors opened at 10am and by 11.15am the matches kicked off with people straining for every vantage point.
On board two, 11 of the 16 players were local lads vying for places in the next round.
In typically close matches, ton machine Paul Britton squeezed through 4-3 against the underrated Derek Hedech and Richie Ford announced his comeback with a 4-3 win over Sean Howerd.
Dave Piper drew praise from the excellent John Brine after going down 4-2, before three of Andover's future stars Dave Morgan, Terrence Worby and John Stebbings crashed out.
The largest viewing gallery for this board however was for two of the leagues most popular figures, Ces Grant and Dennis Smith, a 13-dart winning leg by the latter ensured there was to be no upset.
Full report in next Friday's Andover Advertiser
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