Darts maestro Baxter picks up £6000 after getting to major semi-final (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Darts maestro Baxter picks up £6000 after getting to major semi-final

WELL known Cirencester darts maestro Ronnie Baxter reached the semi-final of the Stan James World Matchplay tournament in Blackpool on Friday.

The landlord of The Brewers Arms in Cricklade Street overcame recent injury problems to make the last four, earning himself a cool £6000 in prize money.

'Rocket' Ronnie, who was seeded tenth in the tournament, lost to Mark Dudbridge 17-13 in a closely fought match.

Ronnie said: "I had a good game; it was nip and tuck. I took the chances I had, but he had more opportunities on the double."

A player for over a quarter of a century, Ronnie has suffered from repetitive strain injury in recent years.

He added: "I got tired towards the end and started pulling darts, but I'm pleased with my form at the moment.

"We'll have to see what happens over the next four or five months on the circuit, but I'm looking forward to the World Championships."