Hankey bidding to bury Manx jinx

Double BDO champion Ted Hankey finished runner-up in 2006

Reigning BDO champion Ted Hankey is amongst the stars who will compete to win next week's Isle of Man International Darts Festival.

The three-day event will attract some of the world's best known stars as well as the top Manx players.

Dave Chisnall, from St Helen's, will defend his men's title and Wales player Julie Gore will be looking to make it three Manx titles in three years.

The event will run from Friday, 13 to Sunday, 15 March at the Villa Marina.

Hon Martyn Quayle, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, said: "It's a real coup to have the world champion competing on the Island alongside such a talented field of players.

"Darts is going through a strong resurgence with over four million viewers watching the finals on BBC earlier this year.

"I'm pleased that the Isle of Man is associated with this prestigious event, which carries World Federation points."

In addition to men's and ladies singles, there are men's and ladies doubles, mixed doubles and the Winmau World Masters youth play-offs during the weekend.