
The event was returning after a one year Covid absence and was held in the usual location at the Tuscany Suites and Casino. Sandy and I went out a bit early to give us a day to rest after traveling and do some Vegas stuff, you know, be a tourist. After 15 years we still look forward to the events but not the travel.
The ADO Cricket Nationals were first up and a rested Sandy came through a very tough bracket without dropping a leg. In the Quarter-Finals she topped Cassy Scantlen in a close match 3-2. In the Semi-Finals she rallied from 2-1 down to again win in 5 legs against Cali West. In the finals she met her old friend and rival Paula Murphy, they first met for the title back in 2009 and last met in the last event in 2020. Sandy had swept Paula earlier in their bracket and Paula returned the favor in the Finals winning 4-0. Sandy played well throughout and wore down as most players do.
Friday brought the 501 Nationals that Sandy debated on entering before the event. She knew she would be tired and coming off 2 knee surgeries she considered just resting up for the weekend, but the deadline to make that decision was weeks ago. She drew a tough bracket and was not consistent, missing out on the knockout round.
Saturday she started the day in the WDF ranked 501 Singles event, a title she last won 3 years ago. She drew some tough matches but progressed to the Top 8, but her doubles let her down she came up short against the talented Shea Cole who is returning to the Steel tip tour. In Ladies Cricket Doubles she played with the youth phenom from California, Madison Rohme. It was their first time playing together and they made a run to the Semi-Finals. On Sunday's 501 Doubles they were knocked out early before the money rounds. Sandy had a lot of fun playing with her and looks to do so again.
Saturday night ended with her teaming with some old friends from our local dart league in Mixed Triples. Doug Wade, Chris Chism and Sandy finished Top 16. Sunday she also teamed with a player from Florida for the first time, Hossey Hicks and Sandy lost early in 501 Doubles. On Sunday she earned a top 8 in Cricket Singles again losing to Paula Murphy. She was pretty worn down on Sunday and we were watching the weather back home as well. The Snow in the Carolinas cancelled our flight and forced us to stay another day in Vegas, Id like to say we did something interesting but we were too exhausted, we settled for a little gambling and dinner at
Margaritaville.
Vegas seemed different this year, shortages and staffing issues related to Covid impacted it but it was great to see some people we haven't seen for years and spend some time with friends. As always Sandy would like to thank her sponsors, Winmau, L-Style Global and Magic Wear Apparel. Their support is greatly appreciated. She still has a couple of more events coming this month if the weather back home cooperates.