DARTS: ELLESMERE Port arrows ace Tony Martin is offering potential sponsors the chance to score the business equivalent of a '180' by giving their company's name a live television appearance.
The 23-year-old from Princes Road is ranked ninth in the world but is still without a major backer for next month's BDO World Championship at the famous Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green.
The draw for the first-round of the World Championship was made last week and Martin has been paired against Australian number one Simon Whitlock in what will be his Lakeside debut.
The tie will be aired live to the nation on BBC television at 3.25pm on Monday, January 3.
Martin said: 'It's a fantastic opportunity for any sponsor as they'd get to show their company name and logo on my shirt in front of a massive Bank Holiday television audience. Advertising isn't allowed on the BBC as such so this would be a terrific coup for any company who could help me out.
'Playing in tournaments across Europe is a great financial strain and I've had to put in loads of overtime at work but my results have shown it's worth it. It's frustrating that nobody's come forward yet as my team-mates Darryl Fitton and Darren O'Shea have picked up £10,000 one-year deals with Dutch blue chip firms.'
Players get eight points for a television appearance yet Martin has picked up 46 in the last nine months without being on the box.
But from tomorrow, Martin, fresh from a second-placed finish at the Swedish Open, starts a string of televised appearances as he competes in the Doeland Masters in the Netherlands, a tournament featuring the world's top 20 players.
He will also be playing in front of Dutch cameras next year by taking part in the International Darts league in May
and the World Darts Trophy in September.
If you'd like to help Tony Martin with sponsorship contact the Pioneer on 0151 356 2494.
The draw for the Ellesmere Port & District Five-A-Side Cup preliminary round has been made with ties on Monday - Horse & Jockey A v Conservative B at Phoenix; Sea Horse A-A v Sea Horse at Sea Horse; Castrol A v Labour A at Sportsmans; rest have byes.
