MOREL ... third Curtain-raiser title in four years

Playing what was probably his best darts to date in a one-day tournament James Morel shot his way to the 2004 Curtain raiser title, whitewashing all his opponents along the way.

Scoring 100 points almost at will with three darts and missing a few 180s in the process, Morel made it three wins in four years after taking the title in 2001, 2003 and this year.

Played at the Cascade community centre Saturday February 7, the tournament was a very high level even if it was only the first competition of the year.

If the level remains the same throughout the year and players improve as they try to catch up with the leaders, 2004 is bound to see scintillating darts.

Morel told Sports Nation after his victory that he devotes a lot of his spare time to darts.

"I take darts very seriously and I keep training even during the off season," he said.

"This is why my darts remain constant and there is no great inconsistency in my play," he said, adding that he is confident 2004 will be another great year for him.

He said he was aiming for the darts player of the year title for a fifth consecutive year.

On Saturday Morel took just under five minutes to despatch Antonio Gomme 3-0 in the best-of-three 501 quarterfinals.

The best-of-five 501 semifinal saw him whitewash work colleague Terrance Hallock 3-0 to set up a final against doubles partner Bernard Berlouis who had dispatched Patrick Radegonde 3-1 in the other last-four encounter.

Not wanting to experience another nerve-racking seven-game thriller like in last year's final against Paul Dugasse before winning, Morel showed no pity for Berlouis, whitewashing him 4-0 in the best-of-seven 501 final.

Radegonde got some consolation after failing to make the grade for the final by hitting the highest score of 180 and registered the highest finish of 120 during the third place play-off match against Hallock to take third place on a 3-2 score.

A total of 22 players took part in the senior competition and they were divided into two groups of 11 players each. The top eight made it to the quarterfinals.

The one-day individual knockout tournament also comprised a youth division and Darell Hopeng succeeded Hans Radegonde as the winner.

Hopeng met a female competitor, Cindy Andimignon, in the best-of-five 501 final and he posted a 3-1 victory for top place.

Anna Alvis, who did not progress from the pool stage last year, claimed third position this time with a 2-1 victory over Darel Siméon in the best-of-three 501 third place play-off.

Audrey Morel, last year's highest finishing junior female player by reaching the quarterfinal, posted the highest score of 180.

Eight junior players took part in the youth competition and they were split into two pools. The top two players from each group progressed to the semifinals.