Big chance for the amateur players; DARTS.

JOHN Smith's, an official supporter of the Lakeside BDO World Professional and Winmau World Masters Darts Championships, is enlarging its own ground-breaking amateur tournament, the John Smith's People's Dart Championship with the addition of more regional finals and four new mentors this year.

November 22 will see the Caerphilly Social Club play host to the Welsh regional final and to determine which player from the region will be heading to the Lakeside in January 2010.

Additional regional finals have been set up this year in Scotland, Wales and Devon for the second year of the tournament, while leading professionals Tony 'Silverback' O'Shea, Darryl 'The Dazzler' Fitton, Ross 'The Boss' Montgomery and Trina 'Golden Girl' Gulliver will join the ranks of mentors that coach the eight regional finalists.

The 2008-2009 John Smith's People's Championship attracted an enthusiastic entry and more than 10,000 players from over 800 pubs and clubs competed in the opening rounds of the tournament.

2009 Lakeside BDO World Darts Championship finalist O'Shea said: "I'm very excited to be on board this year. I watched with interest as the tournament developed and I thought it was fantastic.

"When I was an amateur, I would have given my non-throwing arm to play on that stage, so I'm delighted to be playing a part in making that dream a reality for others this year."

Club and pub players throughout the UK will be looking to emulate the success of reigning John Smith's People's Darts Champion, Tim 'Teapot' Jones, in a tournament that offers amateur darts players the chance to play on the BDO World Darts stage in front of a packed house and a TV audience of millions.

Tim, a full-time carer for his mother in Neath has been 'living the dream' since winning the tournament last year.

He said: "Playing in the John Smith's People's Darts Championship was a wonderful experience."