Geronimo Inns to invite 11-time dart world champion to darts match

Gastropub group Geronimo Inns’ managing director Rupert Clevely is to invite 11-time dart world champion Phil “The Power” Taylor to a darts match at one of the company’s pubs.

The move follows Taylor’s accusation last week – as the face of the Save Our Darts campaign - that the rise in gastropub numbers is to blame for the decline in darts played at British pubs.

If Taylor accepts, the challenge will be held at Geronimo Inns’ Black Swan pub in Ockham, Surrey, and comprise a best of three sets match between himself and Clevely.

To even the odds, Taylor will be forced to throw the darts either blindfolded or with his left hand.

For each leg that Taylor wins during the match, Clevely will introduce a dartboard to one of the company’s pubs for a minimum of one month; while for every leg won by Clevely, Taylor will have to donate equipment for a sport other than darts to a children’s charity.

“We’ve nothing against the principles behind the Save Our Darts campaign but we are a little put out at the suggestion that the sole reason for the decline of this pastime is because of food focused pubs like ours,” said Clevely.

Geronimo Inns to build pubs at key locations >>

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Save Our Darts >>

Phil “The Power” Taylor website >>

Geronimo Inns website >>

By Kerstin Kühn

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