Defending champions edge ATL Masina 6-4 in tense National Invitational Darts Championship Final at PCYC
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Defending champions Southern Arrows successfully retained their title after defeating ATL Masina 6–4 in a thrilling grand final of the National Invitational Darts Championship 2026 at the Point Cruz Yacht Club (PCYC) on Monday evening.
The highly anticipated final drew a lively crowd of supporters, players and spectators who packed the club venue as the two teams battled in a tense and competitive showdown.
ATL Masina started strongly, taking an early 2–0 lead over the defending champions. However, Southern Arrows slowly fought their way back into the match, levelling the score before extending their lead to eventually secure victory with a final score of 6–4.
The atmosphere during the final match was electric, with loud cheers echoing throughout the venue every time players stepped up to the board. Supporters and fellow players voiced their encouragement as music played in the background while spectators gathered around the dart boards to witness the deciding moments of the championship.
Southern Arrows captain Douglas Hou said the victory came through persistence and teamwork despite facing tough competition throughout the tournament.
“As the captain of Southern Arrows we really struggled to become the next champions.
“During the pool stage and along the way most of our games we usually pick up later in the match, so it’s through experience that we managed to come through to the final,” Hou said.
Hou said the team’s experience and unity played a major role in defending their title.
“We’ve been together for a long time as a team. The more you stay together, the stronger you become and that helps you become champions.
“It’s our second time winning this competition in a row. It means a lot to us because it’s not easy to defend the title,” he said.
Runner-up team captain Nelson Rorea Nono’ohimae of ATL Masina said reaching the final was already a proud achievement for his team.
“The challenge today was very tough. Coming to the final from the 34 teams that participated was a privilege for us.
“Southern Arrows are a very good team and playing them in the final was a good test for us,” he said.
Nono’ohimae added that his team learned valuable lessons from the competition and hopes to return stronger in future tournaments.
“We are newcomers to competitions like this but we have learned a lot. This tournament shows that darts in Solomon Islands is improving and gaining momentum,” he said.
Tournament organisers also hailed the championship as a successful event, noting the growing interest in the sport.
Organising committee representative Kensley Manu said the tournament has improved significantly compared to previous years.
“This year’s tournament has really improved from last year and has brought the sport to another level.
“A total of 32 teams took part and the competition was very competitive, especially with provincial teams participating,” Manu said.
He said the presence of new and young players also showed that the sport was gaining popularity.
“There were many young players and new talents this year, and that shows the event is gaining momentum,” he said.
Manu added that organisers are hopeful that the championship could expand to provinces in the future.
“This event is aiming to be taken out to the provinces so that darts can truly become a national sport,” he said.
Major sponsor Our Telekom also reaffirmed its commitment to support the development of darts in the country.
Our Telekom representative Alex Waimora said the company was proud to support the sport because it is inclusive and accessible to everyone.
“One of the reasons why we support darts is because it is an emerging sport and it involves all ages.
“Whether you are young or old, male or female, everyone can play darts,” Waimora said.
He added that livestreaming the grand final helped promote the sport to a wider audience.
“To livestream the event pushes darts to another level because people across Solomon Islands and even overseas can watch it,” Waimora said.
The championship concluded with a prize presentation ceremony where the top three teams received trophies and cash prizes, along with several consolation awards sponsored by supporting organisations.
The National Invitational Darts Championship is an annual tournament usually held during the Easter period, attracting teams from Honiara and the provinces as the sport continues to grow in popularity across the Solomon Islands.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
