WDF World Cup 2013
Thorn's 2013 World Cup, Part 5
With the conclusion of the opening ceremonies, the nineteenth World Cup in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, had officially begun. Everyone was so excited, but they still had hours to wait before tomorrow's opening Men's, Women's and Youth events began.Most players probably did one of three things that night. Some returned to their hotels, to change out of their uniforms, have a relaxing dinner, get some private practice in their rooms, and get a good nights rest still suffering from the jet lag of a long journey to get here.
Others were rested or full of adrenaline, and would journey to downtown St' John's to experience the city, the culture, the cuisine of a corner of Earth they may never see again; and many of them ended up on the infamous bar-lined George Street, enjoying cocktails into the night.
Or, some players hit the dart bars to practice all night-Team Canada, well rested, excited and with all the best local connections, was one of these groups. I, of course, with nothing better to do than enjoy all three options, decided to spend this night with them, getting another inside glimpse of the experience of the host nation.
Troy Hanlon, Billy St. Croix, Cindy Hayhurst, Dave Cameron, and I, along with their main supporters and volunteers, Tammy, Tammie, Jen, and Preston, headed back to Rosie O'Grady's, the premiere dart bar in St. John's. Of course the owners and employees-Scott, Lori, Tommy, and Courtney-were there to greet us and serve drinks until the wee hours. Preston and I basically had a Screech drinking contest while the others practiced voraciously.
At some point, the "Tammies" snuck off and returned with bags full of Mary Brown's famous fried chicken and fries, which we all quickly devoured. I played a few legs with the practicing players, but mostly I was interested in socializing, and challenging Preston, head chalked for the World Cup and self proclaimed team mascot, for his Screech drinking title, going toe for toe on his signature beverage-Screech and water on the rocks. I added a lime to mine just to make it more Thorny. Since I could remember the whole night, and he couldn't, I'm pretty sure I won.
But mostly, it was just a blast socializing with the local crew. Scotty and Lori are the most gracious hosts and supporters of darts and have the bar and events to prove it. Not only do the best players in Newfoundland call this their home bar, but in a few weeks, I learned, Lori would be holding a dart tournament to raise money for Breast Cancer, a truly noble cause.
It was also a secret thrill for me to watch the players practice, putting all their focus into the darts, knowing that tomorrow they would work so hard to make their local fans-and country-proud.
I'm not sure when or how that night ended, but it was a blurry drive back to the hotels and Troy's house. I didn't get much sleep, but must have slept well or just been filled with excitement, because the next morning, I was up early and felt like a kid on Christmas morn.
The darts were about to start.
The PowerPlex arena hall was filled with boards and colorfully dressed players, all wearing their day one uniforms. Jacques and Richard were announcing the opening rounds and match ups, while Preston was busily seeing to last minute details with the volunteer chalkers. Fans were filing in, everyone looking for Team Canada.
I sat with Team USA, and secretly offered whatever encouragement I could. And then, the games began.
I floated around the back of the crowds with my camera clicking, carefully making sure the flash was off every time. Troy's friends and family, including his proud parents, were tiptoeing over the mob around the Canadian men's match, to get a better view. I watched them, as they watched him, playing in a tough bracket, starting out against Wales. Every winning out was met with a big Newfoundland ovation.
I also jumped over to the ladies side, to cheer on my favorite gals: Cindy, and Brenda and Cali from Team USA. I also marveled at Trina Gulliver and Deta Hedman for Team England, easily the two most accomplished darts ladies in the hall. And there were many more, too many to name. But as a big fan of lady darts, I loved watching them all.
At some point, I asked Deta for a picture with me-she's always been one of my favorite players and people for her skill, sportsmanship, grace, kindness, and global background.
I made several trips to the bar that afternoon, downing Blackhorse beers like water, checking in with my favorite teams and tables, rushing back to watch the big matches, and taking pictures of everyone enjoying the first day of the World Cup. Today was just the beginning, and like all good things, it ended far too soon.
Over and double out.