Rosetta Hiralall became the first female Guyanese to win an international darts title when Guyana’s three-member darts participated at the Bryden’s Barbados Darts Festival which was held in Bridgetown, Barbados just under two weeks ago.
In a category which comprised of 16 competitors, Hiralall was closest to the bullseye as she defeated Nannette Brooks of Trinidad and Tobago in the final to become the first female Guyanese champion in the ladies’ individual category. In total Hiralall played five games, four preliminary games and a final. In the final she defeated her opponent 3-0.
Unlike Hiralall, the other members of the team, team captain and former Caribbean and South American champion Sudesh Fitzgerald and Lallchand Rambharose, did not finish at the top of the men’s individual category. However, in the men’s doubles, Fitzgerald and Rambharose finished as runners-up to Peter Ward and John Downes of England who won 3-2.
Meanwhile, Fitzgerald combined with Downes for the mixed doubles and they outplayed their counterparts en route to the title. In the best of five finals they defeated a Canadian and Barbadian pair 3-0.
Speaking to Stabroek Sports on the team’s performance, Fitzgerald said before they left Guyana he knew they would have been among the top contenders in the doubles but was not too optimistic about their chances in the singles. However, Hiralall has placed her name in the history books. “I expected my team to dominate the doubles. Unfortunately in the singles myself and Rambharose were stopped in the quarter finals out of a field of 64,” said Fitzgerald, who represented Guyana at the World’s Dart Championship in England in 2009.
Hiralall’s feat has added to Guyana’s success in the said tournament which includes Fitzgerald’s achievement in 2009, where he won an inaugural title and victories for Norman Madhoo on four occasions. A substantial record for an unpopular sport locally.
A fact that Fitzgerald believes should appeal to corporate Guyana since it is difficult to get sponsorship to participate. However, he praised the sponsors that made the trip possible since they were represented well.
The 29 year-old also urged persons who might have an interest in competing at the local level to come down to Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) where is considered to be the home of darts.
The following are the sponsors that made Guyana’s team participation possible; Ansa McCal, Noble House Seafoods, Dr. Terrence Joseph, Candy Corner and Star Party Rentals.
