DARTS - Inverness singles champion wins title believed to be for seventh time claimed victory in competition in five different decades
ROBERT Mackenzie put on a vintage performance to be crowned Inverness singles darts champion for what is believed to be the seventh time in his career.
The transport manager from Inverness, who plays for Still Game in the Inverness Darts League, claimed the title against a field of 78 entries which culminated in him beating Jack McNeilly from Nairn club Seaforth Club 2-1 in the final at Raigmore Motel.
The 62-year-old added another Inverness Singles title to his collection, having won the competition for the first time in his career back in 1983.
Mackenzie says he went into the tournament with little expectation of being in contention to win the trophy.
But he says that he is incredibly proud to prove he was good enough to be crowned singles champion once again.
“I first won the Inverness Singles in 1983, 42 years ago,” he said.
“I have won the title at least once every decade, in the 1980’s, 1990’s, 2000’s, 2010’s and now I can say the 2020’s.
“I think it is the seventh time that I have won it. Nowadays, I play more sociably rather than competitively as I am not really looking to win things.
“I don’t play darts as consistently as I used to, but I am still confident enough to think I can win the game that I am playing, without looking to win a competition.
“But sometimes you get that bit of luck and it happens for you.
“There is a lot of young talent coming through and it is nice to know that I can prove that I am still good enough to win.”
Mackenzie first got involved in darts in 1980 through his friend Pamela Macdonald, who was the first qualified female joiner in the Highlands. He went to the pub with her to meet her boyfriend who was in a darts team and took up the sport since.
Mackenzie is no stranger to success, having won hundreds of competitions during his darts career, including all the major singles titles in the north.
He also has over 20 caps for Scotland playing in international tournaments during the 1980’s.
In 1990, his darts career took a back seat due to him concentrating on his career as a lorry driver.
Mackenzie plays for Still Game in the Inverness League, who this season reached the final of the Supreme Cup.
Still Game was formed for players predominately over the age of 50, although they also have some younger players in the team.
He says he went to primary school with some teammates and says it is great they can still play at the top level of Inverness darts.
“I have known some of my teammates for 55 years and it is still incredible we are playing together,” he said.
“I was at Dalneigh Primary School and at Millburn Academy with some of my teammates.
“In the Still Game team we have 70-year-olds, 65-year-olds and players over 60.”
“It is just a chance for me to meet up with the boys and play darts.”
With the Inverness Winter League finished, the new season of the Inverness Summer League starts on Thursday.
Mackenzie says he is looking forward to the new summer campaign but is not setting any specific targets.
He said: “We are looking forward to another sociable summer, but we will try and win as many games as we can.
“There are a lot of younger teams in the league, but we will do our best when we are capable of having our moments.”
In the women’s singles competition, Morven Sandison from Nairn club Seaforth B, defeated Sarah Stephen from Innes X in the final to be crowned champion.
