NCD retain national darts title

DEFENDING champions, NCD, have retained the PNG Darts Federation title for the second consecutive year.
According to reports from Popondetta, NCD was declared overall title winners followed by Lihir and hosts, Northern, who settled for third spot.
Two Morobean teams, Lahi and Lae Aviat Corporate Darts Association shared the fourth position.
Fourteen associations took part in the annual event while more than 10 member associations failed to turn up due to financial problems.
LACDA president Nigel Kiaka said the event in Northern also faced some difficulties due to lack of lighting facilities.
He said the games could not continue into nights because of bad lighting, accommodation and transport.
Some players had to sleep in villages which were several hours drive to and from the games venue.
Kiaka said this was one of the main reasons for games to start and finish late as well as the double playoffs for men and women did not take place.
Kiaka also appealed to the federation to consider young participants who were interested in the game.
He said a good number of young participants were part of the event played over the Independence weekend, and the member association should encourage these activities.
Most of these young players were between the ages of 14 and 25 and some of them were competitive.
The next event will be held in Mt Hagen in 2012.