Darts players are already on the practice oche in preparation for the popular Daily Echo Hamp-shire Open.

The top tournament has quickly risen to one of the best county opens in the country and last year attracted more competitors than the English Open.

The competition's winning formula is its player base which includes top stars from the television, super league regulars and pub and club contenders.

It has given darts fans the unique opportunity of playing against stars such as Ronnie Baxter, former Embassy World Champions Les Wallace and Ritchie Burnett, ex-World Master Colin Monk and top Professional Darts Corporation members Andy Jenkins, James Wade, Peter Evison, Alex Roy and many more.

Reigning champion Wallace will be back at Southampton's Novotel to take on all that's thrown at him on Saturday, May 7.

He has taken a back seat in darts recently and returned to work on the building sites but he will be making time to take part in the Hampshire Open.

"I will be there to defend my title," said Wallace. "It sounds easy saying it but it will be really tough because so many good players go to the Hampshire now.

"It is one of the first opens people put on their calendar and it is a good day out, whether you are playing or just watching."

Wallace made his way past quality players at the Novotel in 2004, having had very little practice running up to the competition - and it looks like it could be the same again this year.

"I have only played darts two nights so far this year," smiled Wallace. "I will have to do something about that before the open."

The competition, staged by the Hampshire Darts Organisation, has a limit of 400 which is reached each year - usually before the deadline day which is April 30 for the 2005 event.

County organiser Frank Branscombe said: "The Hampshire Open is well established and a favourite for many players now.

"With the band of volunteers we have, players know that everything should run smoothly on the day and that is important. The thing that pleases us most is that the competition still attracts a blend of top players, including professionals, and people who just play darts in a pub during the week and watch the game on television.

"It's open to men and women of all ages and they come back year after year."

Entry forms will appear in the Daily Echo on Saturdays up to the deadline date and more details can be obtained from Frank Branscombe on 023 9232 1140.