Darts prodigy Lennon Wharf to compete at Grand Slam Doubles

Stonham Barns Park, near Stowmarket, will be hosting the Grand Slam Doubles tournament, on Saturday, November 9.

The event, which returns for its second time, will include Professional Darts Corporation stars Stephen Burton and Ryan Meikle, who will return to defend their title, as well as England international Jo Locke.

Jo Locke competing at Stonham Barns Park (Image: Stonham Barns Park) It is expected to have a full entry of 160 players with a prize for the winner of £2,000 up for grabs. 

This year's line-up will darts champion Lennon ‘The Force’ Wharf, 11, from Brandon, who will partner fellow Suffolk County youth player Jack Elvin.

Lennon recently joined Target Dart’s Elite 1 team, becoming their youngest-ever player.

Scoring more than 600 180s in his short career, he aims to be an integral part of the Junior Darts Corporation Foundation Tour and will compete alongside the seniors at the Grand Slam Tournament.

Lennon said: "I will be trying my very hardest to do well in the Grand Slam Doubles tournament.  It’s a competition for adults so Jack and I will be doing well if we can outplay the adults, but I do feel quite comfortable with the challenge. 

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"I have been playing really well – having just hit my 600th 180 – so it could happen but as we all know with darts it all depends on how it goes on the day!"

Stonham Barns Park has been hosting various darts events at the new Legends Sports Bar since its opening, with famous names from the world of darts including Russ Bray and Ipswich-based Keith Deller.

Could Lennon Wharf follow in the footsteps of Keith Deller and become World Champion? (Image: Newsquest) Darren Moyes, from Evolution Darts, which is running the event, said: "This year looks to be an even higher standard than before as some serious players are stepping up for the event.

"We are looking forward to staging another memorable Grand Slam Doubles tournament at Stonham Barns Park which is the perfect venue for such a prestigious event.

"The standard of the venue puts it up there with some of the top sites in the county and for this reason, we want to bring people in to soak up the atmosphere that we are confident we will be able to create.

"It’s going to be the perfect opportunity for darts fans to once again watch some high-quality matches live."

The Grand Slam Doubles tournament will start at 12.00pm on November 9 and a bar will be available for spectators.