The welsh Open has been a fixture in the darts calendar for longer than many of us can remember. Every year the darting family from across the world make their annual pilgrimage to take part in some of the greatest contests in the world.
This year was no exception. Players and supporters from all over the globe travelled to Sand Bay Holiday Village to witness history in the making.
From the warm up singles on Thursday evening to the final of the mens open on sunday, there has been fun, laughter, tears, heartbreak and elation.
With the introduction of the finals being streamed live around the world by S4C, excitement was in the air.
Sandra Metcalfe, manager of Sand Bay, had been looking forward to this weekend for the last 12 months. Many of the staff made comments about how they wanted to work this week because they love the whole atmosphere of the world of darts. They welcomed us with open arms and smiling faces.
The weekend began with Findlands Kirsi Viinikainen, in her first visit to the Welsh open, winning the womens warm up singles. Followed by England's Carl Wilkinson winning the mens.
Friday was Welsh Classic day. It was played down to the quarterfinals with the semifinals to be played Saturday on a live stream and the finals going out live on S4C. The final players were Stephen Cake and Richard Rowlands for the men, Rhian O'Sullivan and Aileen De Graaf fir the women and Kaya Baysal and Mason Teese for the youth.
Kaya Baysal took the youth trophy while Rhian O'Sullivan took her first victory in the classic final having made it there several times. Richard Rowlands came out on top for the men in the closest of games ending 5-4.
Friday also saw the pairs take place again with the finals to take place live on stream.
In the women's Pairs Scotland’s Lorraine Hyde teamed up with Wales Eve Watson to face off with the all Welsh pairing if Rhian O'Sullivan and Rachel Kingdon. Lorraine and Eve took the title and promised to come back and play as a pair next year.
In the mens Pairs, Callum Francis and Cavan Phillips, edged out Lloyd Pennell and Jenson Walker to lift the trophy despite only entering as a last minute decision. Best decision of their year.
Saturday morning was Welsh Intercounty day. The Welsh counties played off in some of the most fierce battles in recent years. The result was a mirror image of last years tournament with Clwyds women and Glamorgans men winning theor respective competitions.
In the afternoon the mixed pairs took place along with the boys and girls open.
In the youth matches, Paige Pauling and Yazmine Ruck-Havard made up the girls final, while Kaya Baysal and Mitchell Lawrie made the boys final.
In the mixed pairs final, Clwyds Del Stapley and Jon Darlington swept away regular pairs partners, Rhian O'Sullivan and Jim McEwan to take yet another trophy home to their county.
Sunday Morning and this was it. The flagship competition. The Red Dragon Welsh Open 2025.
Despite some technical difficulties early on, expertly managed by the team, every went perfectly (sort of). There was plenty of close battles and final leg decider before Kirsi Viinikainen and Priscilla Steenbergen made their way into the women's final and Mitchell Lawrie and Darren Johnson the mens.
The youth finals were played in the afternoon with Paige Pauling taking her 4th Girls Welsh Open title. Yazmine Ruck-Havard had every laughing during her interview and both girls showed the quality they have. This won't be the last final the 2 compete in.
Then came the boys. Nobody realised what was to come. Mitchell Lawrie provided a dominant display of darts as he powered to a 4-0 win over Kaya Baysal. He became the Welsh Open Boys champion. But there was more to come later as he still had the mens final to play.
First though the women's final between Kirsi Viinikainen and Priscilla Steenbergen took centre stage. In her first ever Welsh Open Kirsi lifted the trophy after a 5-1 win over Priscilla. She was clearly in shock at the win which was well deserved. An incredible weekend for the Finnish lady.
Then the men. The final final. History in the making. 14 year old Mitchell 'WeeSox' Lawrie vs Darren DJ Johnson. With 4 maximums, 5 darts into a perfect leg, 13 ton plus scores, Mitchell Lawrie became the youngest Red Dragon Welsh Open Men’s Champion, and the youngest ever double champion. Ever gracious in defeat Farren said " He's younger, he's literally and he was better than me." Nothing could sum up the moment better. An incredible display from an incredible young man. Looking Ahead Mitchell said his eyes are set on lakeside. And who can blame him. He has the talent to go on and win anything.
With the weekend now at a close, all credit has to go to the entire team at Welsh Darts Organisation, Chairman, Wayne Williams, general secretary John Williams, assistant secretary Sue Williams, assistant team manager, Keith Ashton, You team manager, Giovanna Thomas, Jayne Warwick who didn't stop at all this week, from set up to running the registrations to running the competitions sorting tablets and a million other things, minute secretary Jan Smith, treasurer Jacki Davies, youth development officer John Mullen, website and tech Russell & Luke Sabin. As well as these a vital role in the running of the weekend we're the crew who built the boards and had to take them down Saturday, they were up early Sunday to put them all back up as well. Thank you for great job. Also a huge shout out to Nicola Hughes for all the hard work fundraising this weekend. All the raffles, football cards and that enormous giraffe (I'm just glad I don't have to take it home in the car!). The MC Garin Roderick, match referees, Ollie Carter, James Ward and Lee Rodger. Dave Derbyshire who kept me in line on the control desk all week. And I'm sure there are more that im forgetting. This weekend would be impossible without the volunteers who work so hard behind the scenes.
All that's left to say ask is, "is it too early to book for next year?"
Thank you all for your support and I for one cannot wait to do it all again in 2026.
