Soham darts ace aiming for a shot at the pro ranks
Brett Claydon - Credit: Archant
BRETT Claydon’s quest to become a full-time darts professional continued to gather momentum at the weekend as he took part in tournaments alongside some of the top-ranked players in the world.
The Soham resident travelled to Wigan on Saturday and Sunday to compete in two qualifying events for the UK Open, lining up alongside heavyweights including Adrian Lewis and Michael Van Gerwen.
On Saturday, he lost out 6-0 in the first round to Colin Lloyd but fared better on Sunday picking up a 6-3 win over Keith Rooney in the first round before losing out to Mark Cox by the same scoreline in the second round.
The events were won by Robert Thorton and Michael Van Gerwen.
Brett, 29, only took up darts six years ago, playing with friends at the Carpenters Arms, in Brook Street.
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His natural ability for the game quickly took him into local competition, plying his trade in the Cambridgeshire Super League for Fordham British Legion, before he progressed to represent the county alongside former world champion Martin Adams.
At a recent exhibition event, he even managed to beat darts icon Eric Bristow.
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Now, Brett is hoping to make the leap from county up to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), where could earn thousands of pounds in prize money and appear in televised matches.
His manager and friend Ian Taylor said: “Within a year of taking up darts, Brett was the best in the area and he quickly went on to play at county level after that.
“He is an excellent player and we are looking to get him involved in as many competitions as we can to get him experience and hopefully make the breakthrough and become a full-time professional.
“He wants to really focus on his darts and is on the lookout for sponsors who can help him with the cost of travel as he takes part in more events.”
To sponsor Brett, contact his manager Ian on 07787939391.
