DARTS legend Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor wowed a crowd of more than 200 fans on a visit to Chester.
The 15-time word champion showcased his skills at the opening of the new Darts Zone at Rileys on Victoria Road last Tuesday.
Taylor teamed up with former ladies’ world champion Anastasia Dobromyslova to play a series of exhibition matches.
The new Rileys darts centre in Chester features a six-lane playing area, which is fitted with championship-quality boards, hi-tech electronic scoring and specially-focused lighting.
Taylor, a Rileys darts ambassador, said: “The sport of darts is on the up and up. More people every week are starting to play our game.
“It is important for darts players young and old to have somewhere like this with world class facilities.”
Fellow darts ambassador Dobromyslova, who hails from Russia but now lives in nearby Ellesmere Port, added: “Everyone plays better when they are in nice surroundings.
“The Rileys clubs generate a great atmosphere for darts players, their friends and families.”
To mark the opening of the Darts Zone, Taylor and Dobromyslova played exhibition matches against a host of players from Chester and the surrounding area.
They included two lucky Chronicle competition winners, Bryan Weaver, a 43-year-old factory worker from Chester, and 10-year-old Henry Dobson, from Tattenhall.
Henry played a match against Dobromyslova.
The Tattenhall Primary School pupil said: “It’s great to play Anastasia and meet Phil Taylor, who is one of my darts heroes.”
Other local players who took on Taylor and Dobromyslova included Mark Ephgrave and Loll Abely.
Mark, 29, from Chester, said: “The Dart Zones are a great idea.
“I can see myself coming here regularly.”
Mum-of-eight Loll, 46, from Chester, added: “It’s great to have so much space when you are playing darts, and be able to practise with all your friends without being cramped in a corner.”
