The 2026 Tendring Darts Masters witnessed a thrilling conclusion as Suffolk’s experienced player, Hammond, claimed the prestigious Rab Scott Trophy and a £1,200 prize, defeating Essex’s Kevin Edwards 3-2 in a nail-biting final. This year also saw the introduction of a successful Tendring Youth Competition, won by Arthur Allston, highlighting emerging talent. Beyond the intense competition, the event served as a heartfelt tribute to darts legend Rab Scott, raising £1,556 for the British Heart Foundation, and featured appearances by top darts professionals, underscoring its growing stature in the darts community.
Hammond Crowned Champion in Gripping Final
The second annual Tendring Darts Masters, a vibrant celebration of local and regional darts talent, culminated in a spectacular final that saw Suffolk County’s Hammond emerge victorious. The seasoned player from Ipswich, known for his extensive experience and competitive pedigree, demonstrated nerves of steel to overcome Great Bentley’s Kevin Edwards (Essex) with a tight 3-2 scoreline. Hammond proudly lifted the Rab Scott Trophy and secured the top prize of £1,200.
For Edwards, this marked a second consecutive disappointment at the Tendring Masters, having also finished as runner-up in the inaugural event in 2024. His consistent performance, however, solidifies his position as a formidable competitor.
A Journey to the Finals: The Road to Glory
The path to finals night was a demanding one, with 112 players battling it out for just seven coveted spots. These qualifiers were joined by the winner of the Jack Rabbit Tendring Open. The rigorous qualification process spanned from November and concluded last month, taking place across six different venues throughout the district, showcasing the widespread passion for darts in the region.
Youth Talent Shines: Arthur Allston’s Triumph
A significant addition to this year’s event was the Tendring Youth Competition, designed to foster the next generation of darts stars. This inaugural youth final delivered just as much excitement as the main event, with Bradfield’s Arthur Allston triumphing 3-2 over Brightlingsea’s Joshua Gregory. Remarkably, both teenagers had already made their mark in the main competition, reaching the quarter-finals.
Allston, at just 16 years old, continued his impressive run into the semi-finals of the main event, where he faced a narrow defeat to eventual runner-up Kevin Edwards. In the other semi-final, Hammond secured his place in the final with a strong 3-1 victory over Chelmsford’s Dan Sare.
Honoring a Legend: The Rab Scott Legacy
The Tendring Masters is more than just a competition; it’s a heartfelt tribute to Rab Scott, one of Tendring’s greatest ever darts players and a revered England international. The event proudly bears his name through the Rab Scott Trophy, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire.
The atmosphere at the Princes Theatre was electric, with approximately 300 spectators creating a fantastic roar of encouragement for the players. Scott’s three daughters – Nicola, Rachel, and Louise – were present to personally award commemorative medals to all the finalists, adding a deeply personal touch to the proceedings.
Organiser Alan Currivan emphasized the event’s purpose: “It was another night to remember and honour Rab, a true legend and world-class talent who emerged from the Clacton leagues. The Tendring Masters ensures his legacy endures and inspires generations to come.”
Peter Jones, a former teammate of Rab Scott, had the honour of presenting the Rab Scott Trophy, the winner’s cheque, and a glass tankard to the triumphant Hammond.
Community, Charity, and Professionalism
The Tendring Masters also demonstrated its commitment to the wider community by raising an impressive £1,556 for the British Heart Foundation through various raffles and an auction held throughout the evening. This charitable effort highlights the event’s community spirit.
Adding a touch of star power and professionalism, the event featured several special guests from the darts world:
- PDC stars Ritchie Edhouse and Ryan Meikle
- Former World Seniors Darts Tour number one Richie Howson
- Former PDC professional Steve Maish
These stars engaged in exciting exhibition matches and even took on members of the enthusiastic audience, providing memorable moments for everyone present.
The professional atmosphere was further enhanced by the presence of top officials: Current PDC referee Charlie Corstorphine expertly called the action, while Barry Gilbey, one of the sport’s most respected officials, served as MC for the finals.
In recognition of his tireless efforts and dedication to darts in Tendring, Alan Currivan was presented with a special award during the evening. The growing prominence of the event was also underscored by the presence of ITV cameras, filming parts of the competition for an upcoming documentary.
Tournament Results at a Glance:
Quarter-Finals:
- QF 1: Arthur Allston (Bradfield) beat Paul Williams (Ipswich) 3-2
- QF 2: Kevin Edwards (Great Bentley) beat Joshua Gregory (Brightlingsea) 3-0
- QF 3: Hammond (Ipswich) beat Barry Lynn (Wivenhoe) 3-0
- QF 4: Dan Sare (Chelmsford) beat Michael Wiles (Witham) 3-1
Semi-Finals:
- SF 1: Kevin Edwards (Great Bentley) beat Arthur Allston (Bradfield) 3-2
- SF 2: Hammond (Ipswich) beat Dan Sare (Chelmsford) 3-1
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
