On Saturday, 7 June 2025, players from across Mpumalanga converged on the Next Door Dart Club in Ermelo for the MP Masters Social Darts Tournament. Sanctioned by the Mpumalanga Provincial Darts Federation and run under DSA rules, the event began with registration at 12:00 and kicked into high gear at 13:00 sharp. For an entry fee of just R50, both seasoned competitors and enthusiastic newcomers battled to land their darts squarely in the triple-20.
The knockout format featured best-of-five leg matches, whittling an initial field of sixteen down through quarter-final and semi-final showdowns. Spectators cheered on tight finishes and impressive scoring runs throughout the afternoon, as each player aimed to secure their spot in the podium rounds.
Photo (Supplied): Maureen Olivier Vernon Ince
Photo (Supplied): Karen Naidoo, Denys Olivier
Photo (Supplied): Rudi van Staden, Chanté Olivier
By evening, the prize positions had been decided. In third place, the duo of Maureen Olivier and Vernon Ince held firm under pressure to claim bronze. Runners-up Karen Naidoo and Denys Olivier delivered a strong performance worthy of silver, while the championship trophy went to Rudi van Staden and Chanté Olivier, whose consistent accuracy and composure earned them first place.
Tournament organisers expressed heartfelt thanks to the MPDF for its support and to the Next Door Dart Club for hosting such a seamless event. With plans already in motion to broaden the player field and introduce side competitions later this year, the MP Masters Social Darts Tournament is set to become an unmissable highlight on the local darts calendar.