Parkin exits Scottish Open but makes Mandigers sweat for the win

By Paul Connolly Whitby darting talent Richie Parkin’s Scottish Open dream came to an end in the third round despite giving Dutch international Willem Mandigers a scare. Parkin, who averaged 104.86 in the first round, knocked out Brian Gilmartin and Peter Johnstone before facing Mandigers, 3-0 and 3-1 respectively. The Seasider then fell 3-1 to the BDO world number 21, and was made to rue a missed shot at double top which would have forced a deciding leg.

Got beat 3-1 by Willem Mandigers. Had a dart at tops to go 2-2. Very happy with how I played @whitby_sport @StokoeMedia @WhitbyTownFC

— Richie Parkin (@TheSeasider180) February 18, 2017

The Dutchman, however, admitted to Parkin after the match that he’d given him a scare, despite coming out on top. “I marked his game in the next round and his first leg was a ten-darter, he was brilliant,” Parkin told Yorkshire Voice. “You just can’t play against that, it’s phenomenal. “He came up to me after that game and thanked me. He told me I’d given him a scare and that he needed it. Despite not making it out of his group, the darting ace could not be bettered by his mentor, BDO world champion Glen Durrant, who also exited the competition in the third round. Parkin insisted he is currently at the top of his game and is already looking at making his future plans a reality. “I loved it,” he added. “I played really well; it’s the best I’ve played for four or five years. “It was a good experience but it’s a shame I couldn’t go any further but Madigers is world class. “I make my debut in the PDC next month, so I’ll see where I go from there. “In ten years time, I want to be pro. I’ve got a good mentor in Glen Durrant, so the future is bright hopefully.”