NEWLY-CROWNED Daily Echo Hampshire Open winner Mark Thomson has promised to defend his title next year.
The Swindon player battled his way through a field of more than 400 to take the coveted crown at Southampton's Novotel last weekend and overcame some unnecessary barracking in the final.
Professional Darts Corporation player Thomson grew up in Portsmouth and proudly wore a Pompey FC badge on his collar, which attracted some verbal abuse from one or two spectators.
"It was a shame someone thought it necessary to call out and be abusive to me during the final, I do not know this person and I'm sure he doesn't know me," said Thomson.
"But it was a very well run competition and I will be back again next year."
Thomson beat PDC world number 14 Lionel Sams 5-4 in the final after going 3-0 down.
Plenty of top names, including two times world champion John Part, were on the oche but failed to make it to the final stages.
At least two local pub players were celebrating after claiming top scalps. Sholing's Bullseye regular Graham Mould knocked out Dennis Smith and Martin Philpott of The Osborne sent Peter Evison packing.
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