Darts in the Cayman Islands can be proud of its latest crop of youth stars.
The brightest of which is Arek Archibold, 16, who emerged the youth champion at the 20th Caribbean Cup Tournament, organized by the Caribbean Darts Organization in conjunction with the Florida Dart Association. Last month’s tournament featured Archibold topping a field of eight junior players to emerge the winner.
Archibold’s mom, Irma Smith, witnessed the feat first-hand as a member of Cayman’s national team and said it is an accomplishment that can inspire young people.
“I’m happy for Arek’s accomplishment and hope that other young persons can pick up the sport and continue to represent these Islands with the pride that sports provide,” Smith said. “I am equally happy to mention that the other three young Caymanians who played in the tournament did very well and they should be encouraged to continue playing since Arek will not be able to compete in the youth tournament anymore. It will be Adrian Anglin, Kaylone and Kayjahe Warren left to defend Cayman’s title in 2016 in Barbados.
“I also wish to take this opportunity to thank all of Arek’s sponsors and pray that they continue to support our youth for our future. Special thanks to Water Authority Cayman, Vampt Motors, Consolidated Water Co. Ltd, Atlantic Supply, King Flowers at Orchid Development and Realty Ltd. and Robert Bodden at RC Bodden Realty Ltd.”
Archibold is Cayman’s first youth champion at the regional level. To claim the title, he competed against his opponents in seven rounds – winning six times – with each round consisting of five games. He defeated Bahamian Breydon Rosson, 3-2, Floridians Simone Genne and Alexander Heffner by scores of 4-1, countrymen Adrian Anglin, 3-2, Kaylone Warren, 3-2, and Kayjahe Warren, 4-1, but lost to India Sweeting of Bahamas, 2-3. Archibold would earn a place in the finals against Rosson – who had accumulated more points than Archibold, 27-23 – but the Cayman prodigy would emerge victorious.
Darts at the international level is nothing new for Archibold. He competed at the 2010 Caribbean championship in the Bahamas at the age of 12 and was second in the junior division to 17-year-old Shaun Nairaine of Canada. Archibold hails from a dart-playing family, with dad Anthony “Tony” Archibold representing Cayman for many years and step dad Earl Smith being a three-time Caribbean champion.
Archibold’s success was among many of Cayman’s highlights at the 2014 Caribbean Cup. Mel Tagalog advanced to the finals of the Americas Cup event before losing to Canada’s Dave Cameron. Cliff Weeks won the men’s high point award for a score of 151. Cayman ended up placing sixth overall as Florida emerged the overall champions.
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