The PokerStars Isle of Man International Darts Festival begins at the Villa Marina today, Thursday.

Now in its 33rd year, the annual festival will see almost 1,000 enthusiasts converge on the Royal Hall for one of the world’s longest running darts festivals.

There is more than £30,000 in prize money on offer, not to mention the much sought-after British Darts Organisation ranking points that could lead to qualification for next year’s World Championships at Lakeside. Glen Durrant and Mark McGeeney are confirmed for the men’s event and they will be joined by Scott Waites, Martin ’Wolfie’ Adams, Martin Phillips and Ted Hankey, all previous winners of the IoM Open.

Seven of the top eight players in the world have already entered for the women’s competition, including the ever popular Deta Hedman, who has amassed nearly 150 titles during her illustrious career, Lisa Ashton who was winner of the last two World Championships, and multiple world champion Trina Gulliver.

If you want to watch the festival, all you have to do is turn up. It begins this evening (Thursday) and there is no entry charge for spectators, not even for the Royal Hall finals on Sunday from 2pm. For those not able to attend, the event will be streamed live on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC2sYlXtE5U or by searching YouTube for ’Isle of Man International Festival of Darts 2018’.

Live streaming will be available from around noon on Saturday and from 2pm on Sunday. For a full list of all competitions visit www.englanddarts.co.uk