LOCAL duo Robert Clark and his uncle Paul Best stunned the darts world when they gatecrashed a major international pairs event.

They impressed on the oche as they fought their way through a king-sized field to reach the last 16 at the Welsh Open Pairs at Prestatyn.

They eventually went out with their heads held high, losing to the holders and eventual winners, Cheshire county players Ian White and Andy Boulton.

It was a remarkable achievement, considering they both have disabilities but the real jaw-dropping moment came when their rivals learned they were not attached to a pub or club team, did not play in any darts league and had honed their throwing skills on the board at Clark’s Lostock home.

“People were so shocked when they found out who we were that they nearly fell over,” said a jubilant Clark.

“Some of the best players in the world were there and they were all shocked when they realised we weren’t county players and didn’t even play in a league.

“They knew we were from Lancashire and just assumed we were county players.”

Twenty-seven-year-old Clark, who suffered a stroke-like illness last year and spent several months in a wheelchair, was advised to take up darts as part of his rehabilitation.

He has been so pleased with his progress that he is planning an exhibition appearance by Terry “The Bull” Jenkins at St Mary’s Social Club, Horwich on July 18 to raise funds for the Stroke Association.

“I’m a big darts fan but I only picked up the arrows again at the start of the year to help with my rehabilitation,” he said. “I still have to use a (walking) stick when I go to collect the darts, so everybody knows I have a problem.

“After practising with my uncle Paul, who suffers from arthritis, we decided we’d enter the Prestatyn event. We knew it was a big tournament and we both said before we went that we’d be happy if we won just a single leg.

“But we just kept on winning, and against some really good players. By the time we got to the last 16 I was absolutely exhausted, almost dead on my feet, but the adrenalin was keeping me going.

“It was an incredible experience and, I must admit, a big surprise to both of us that we got as far as we did.”

A spokesman for the British Darts Organisation described the local pair’s achievement as “fantastic”.

“To get to the last 16 of such a big tournament really is getting to the top end of the sport,” he said.

“There were hundreds of entries for the Welsh Open and for these guys to reach the last 16 was a remarkable feat for anyone but, considering they both have their respective disabilities, it’s even more impressive and very heartwarming.

“Darts is a sport that is open to people of all abilities and some with disabilities who don’t want to play under any special rules. In fact, they insist on playing the game properly and these two guys have proved that they can compete against the best.”