JEFF ADAMS MEMORIAL 2026: DAMMERT’S CROWN UNDER THREAT!

The Men’s Tier delivers drama, surprises and mouth-watering last-32 clashes

The Jeff Adams Memorial got off to a flying start yesterday at the Tyger Flights clubhouse in Bellville South, with the Men’s Tier completing its round-robin stage ahead of what promises to be an explosive day of knockout darts.

The tournament also marked an important milestone for South African darts, with the introduction of ODSA (Online Darts South Africa), the home-grown electronic scoring application developed by Danny Toerien and Mark Calvert.

As expected, there were a few initial teething problems, but after an early hiccup, the system settled down and the day ran smoothly. ODSA represents an exciting step forward for the sport, with the potential to give clubs and associations across South Africa immediate access to match statistics and make tournament administration more efficient.

Late withdrawals shake up the draw

The organisers were dealt a late blow on Friday evening when several players withdrew, including Warrick “The Rooster” Scheffer, one of my personal favourites, early contender Esias “The Muffin Man” and Riaan Verwey.

But the show had to go on, and the remaining contenders duly took to the oche.

Britz falls in the Block of Death

The round-robin stage produced its share of casualties, with Protea player Mynhard Britz the biggest name to fall after failing to negotiate a particularly difficult block.

Meanwhile, Garth May, Daywin Adams, Leon Sayers and Johnathan Sardien progressed comfortably, while defending champion Gary Dammert sailed through his block to keep his title defence firmly on track.

But the real business starts today!

LAST 32: MATCHES YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS

Mayhem in the top half

Young gun Jaden Erasmus faces seasoned campaigner Leon Sayers in a clash between youthful ambition and experience.

Then comes an intriguing showdown between teammates and former tournament runners-up Daywin Adams and Garth Henry. There will be no favours on the oche when these two lock horns!

Another fascinating encounter sees the unpredictable Grant “The Blind Man” Ferrier take on Protea player Christo van Jaarsveld. Ferrier is capable of producing the unexpected, and an upset cannot be ruled out.

Can the young guns upset the favourites?

In the bottom half, defending champion Gary Dammert faces Tygerflights chairman Hayward Flanagan. Dammert may start as favourite, but knockout darts has a habit of turning predictions upside down.

One of yesterday’s surprise packages was 19-year-old Marchello Adams of Dockside Dart Club. He finished second in Block 1 behind stalwart Clifford Stradling, but ahead of dark horse Adrian Petersen.

His reward? A last-32 showdown against WCDF provincial player Clayron Septoe.

Can the youngster upset the apple cart and announce himself as a serious contender?

Elsewhere, Alistair Bailey of Worcester takes on Earl Pentolfe, while Lerenco Adams, who scraped through his block, faces Mark “Runaway” MacMahon. Both matches have the potential to produce fireworks.

THE LADIES TAKE CENTRE STAGE

The Ladies Tier also gets underway today, adding another dimension to an already action-packed programme.

Protea player Yolande van Rooyen was at the venue yesterday, taking in the atmosphere and preparing herself for the challenge ahead. She will undoubtedly be one of the players to watch as the ladies battle for the prestigious title.

WILL DAMMERT RULE THE ROOST?

With the round-robin stage behind us, the knockout battles promise pressure, drama and potentially a few major upsets.

Will Gary Dammert continue his march towards another title? Can the challengers dethrone the defending champion or will legends Clifford “Mr Cool” Stradling and Georde “The Greek Python” Klonaridis upset the apple cart? And who will emerge as the Ladies champion?

The oche is ready, the draw is set, and the stage belongs to the players.

Tyger Flights invites all darts lovers to flock to the clubhouse in Fabriek Street, Bellville South, today for a spectacular day of competitive darts.