JAISHREE Pala is eyeing a place in the national darts team after finishing as runner-up in the women’s division of the Extra Fiji National Singles Darts Championship which concluded on Sunday.
The competition was held over two days at the Fiji Club and United Club, drawing players from all around the country.
Pala, who only started playing darts a few years ago, said she was proud of her performance.
“My husband played darts for more than 15 years with the Suva Darts Team. I used to go with him and watch his games,” she said.
“One day he asked if I wanted to try, and I said ‘why not’. He taught me at home, and we did a lot of practise together.”
She said it was inspiring to see the growth of darts in Fiji, with more young players now showing interest in the sport.
She gave the example of Shriya Reddy, a 13-year-old newcomer who finished in fourth place in the women’s division.
“That’s a big achievement for someone that young and it shows the sport has a bright future.”
Pala also thanked Extra Supermarket for sponsoring the event, saying the support made it possible for players to come together and compete.
Her last competition before this was the South Pacific Darts Championship, and she now looks forward to possibly representing Fiji again at the next regional tournament.
The top 20 players from the championship will be considered for selection to represent the country at the South Pacific Darts Championship in the Cook Islands in two years time.
Meanwhile in the women’s division, Atelini Umu took first place, followed by Jaishree Pala in second, Naomi Cavasiga in third and Shriya Reddy in fourth.
In the men’s division, Roneet Narayan finished first, Warren Ashcroft second, Nathan Kumar third and Seru Sami fourth.
