Organisers of the 2013 Daily Echo Open are accepting entries earlier than normal as they anticipate another bumper field.

Every year the popular contest attracts more than 400 players of all abilities.

Plenty of professionals have graced the Southampton Novotel oche over the years but the bulk of entries come from county, super league and pub and club players.

The competition, put together and run by the Hampshire Darts Organisation, is being staged on Spring bank holiday, Sunday, May 26.

HCDO spokesman Frank Branscombe said: “As soon as Christmas and New Year are over we start getting inquiries about when the open is scheduled for and when they can enter.

“Although the deadline date is some way off, it is easier all round to take entries now. With 12 years of experience running the Hampshire Open, we know that players are keen to get their name on the list of entries.”

Hampshire’s Gary Stafford fell at the final hurdle last year when he was beaten by Bristol’s talented Andy Parsons.

Familiar names on the coveted trophy include three times winner Colin Monk, his son Arron, Paul Hogan, former world champion Les Wallace and professional Ronnie Baxter.

There is over £2,600 in prize money with £1,000 going to the winner and £500 to the runner-up.

Entry costs £7, spectators £3 with free entry to children under 13.

Complete the form below and send a stamped addressed envelope by the cut-off date of May 19.