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The ADA National Championship is far more than a national darts competition. To begin, this is not an “open” event. Far from it! In order to qualify for the “Show” members must compete in the American Dart League (ADL). League play must take place on a team for a required number of weeks throughout the calendar year. An ADA members’ skill level ultimately determines where they will eventually compete.
Based on these predetermined conditions this event doesn’t produce winners. The ADA National Championship establishes “league” champions who claim bragging rights as the best darters in the American Darters Association.
The foundation for an ADA’s member skill level is a points per dart average (PPDA) established from league play. In the Neutralizer events (ADA’s handicap system) these average determine the starting score in the 301 event and the number “marks” allowed to the lower skill leveled team. Prior to entering into the Championship these averages are reviewed both by area ADA Representatives and the staff at ADA Headquarters. It is imperative a members average is equal to their ability.
Over 1000 members and guests from across the country attended the 11th National Championship held August 8-11. Over $70,000 in prize money plus trophies were awarded to members in 32 different categories.
Prior to the first darts thrown two important events take place. The first is a mandatory Captains Meeting. At this event the Championship staff review important information, introducing any last minute developments and fielding questions or comments from the Captains.
Following that event is the Opening Ceremonies. ADA President, Glenn Remick addresses the attendees making two very important presentations during this 30-minute ceremony. First, the “Top Seed” members are provided their medallions and cash prizes. These eight Top Seeds are the highest point per dart average attending members. In addition to their prizes they are “seeded” into the final 32 singles (men) and final 16 singles (women) of the singles brackets. The second presentation is the “ADA Representative of the Year” award. This award is presented to the ADA Representative who, throughout the year, performs his or her duties in a outstanding and professional manner. This year’s award was presented to James Williamson from Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
With the ceremonies complete at High Noon the “Show” was underway.
Throughout the Championship events, members compete in two categories: Open & Neutralizer. Within these categories are two dart types; the traditional English steel tip and Electronic soft tip. All events are single elimination with the exception of the double elimination draw doubles events.
The event of the first day: Team and Express League. The format is an actual American Dart League match with a race to 7 in the Team event and a race to 9 in the Express event.
The Singles competition takes place the following day (Friday). There are eight singles titles. The “unseeded” members compete to the final 16 men. They are placed into the top 32 bracket where they compete against the 16 “seeded” members. The top 8 women compete in the same process to face the 8 women Top Seeds to compete the final 16 bracket. Of the eight categories (men & women) only 2 unseeded members went on to win a singles title!
Saturday’s competition is all doubles; Men’s Women’s & Draw. Open doubles games are cricket best of five. Neutralizer events are a combination of 301 singles and cricket doubles. Draw doubles wraps up the day and is best of 3 on the winner side, one game on the loser side.
Mixed Triples on Sunday is the final event of the competition. Best of 5, cricket. Cricket triples is a great game and the “mixed” gender makes for an interesting match.
Presentations of the awards takes place immediately after each event. Concluding the Championship is the presentation of the “Most Valuable Player” (MVP) by ADA President Glenn Remick. The eight MVP’s are determined by wins and individual achievements (180’s, 9-marks & hat tricks). Of the 8 MVP’s 7 came from the top seed category!
The National Championship also hosted the second Military Cup Challenge.
To view a complete recap of this year’s events, including MVPs and all of our National Champions, Click Here!
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