Chester venue for Phil Taylor v Michael van Gerwen match

At the start of the year, John Jones, from Mold, founder and head coach of Ace of Sports, organised a special community-centred night featuring one of the biggest names in darts - Michael van Gerwen.

The run-up to the Ace Of Sports Darts Championship saw 64 players from the region battle it out for a place in the finals. Shaun 'The Sheep' Thompson, from Buckley, was the eventual winner at the event in Mynydd Isa Social Club. He then saw a narrow loss to Dutchman 'Mighty Mike' himself in an exhibition match.

John Jones from Ace of Sports (left) and Michael van Gerwen (right) with Ace Of Sports Darts Championship 2023 winner Shaun Thompson.

Since the event Ace of Sports have been inundated with requests to hold another but for John, the dilemma was how do you beat a night like that?

Who can rival 'MVG' Michael Van Gerwen? There was only one name - 16-time champion of the world, the most successful player to ever throw a dart, Phil 'The Power' Taylor.

After several weeks of negotiating, John has secured the signature of Taylor. However, to truly make the night historic Taylor will not be coming alone. Michael Van Gerwen will be returning also. It's been billed as two worlds collide - Taylor v Van Gerwen.

Phil Taylor.

On Saturday, February 24, 2024, Ace Of Sports aim to create a historic event, this time at Chester Racecourse, designed to bring together people of all ages from the community, alongside the two greatest dart players ever.

John Jones said: "'This night isn't just about the superstar names. The whole reason the championship was set up was to give people of all ages from the community something to look forward to.

"I've worked hard in my career in sports. Previously as a footballer for Liverpool FC and now owning a global sports business.

Michael van Gerwen.

"Financially I've done well for myself, however sport was never about that for me, it's about being part of something, it's about challenging yourself and what better way to do that than to pick a sport that literally anyone of any age or background can play - darts.

"Then give everyone the chance to play against the best player ever and the best there is now.

"This is being run as a non-profit event, this is all for the people and my way of giving back through sport for what it's given me."

John Jones and George Deniz from Ace of Sports, with darts champ and Sky pundit Mark Webster, at Chester Racecourse.

The Ace Of Sports Darts Championship 2024 will be split into two categories. The junior section which will be school ages Year 3 to 6. This will be ran in local schools which a special darts challenge designed around maths and darts.

Two players with the highest score will go through to finals night to play on stage in front of 400 people. Before going on stage they will be given a special darts lesson by Phil Taylor and Michael Van Gerwen.

Then it's the the full championship, 64 players all competing it out to make it to finals night to play off on stage to a packed crowd. The winner will then go on to play the winner of Taylor v Van Gerwen in the last match.

One of the hosts on the night will be former BDO champion of the world and now Sky sports pundit, Mark Webster, from Denbigh.

Mark will be providing a live in-depth pundit's view on the matches and playing some darts himself live on stage.

He said: "This truly is a special event! The players will be nervous, you're going to be playing against the best ever. However, if this was something that was around when I was starting my career, I would have definitely have entered and it's a pleasure to be part of it now.''

• Standard seated tickets are £60 and VIP tickets, which includes private access into the players' area with Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen, plus front row seats are £150. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, October 18, from 7pm at www.aceofsports.co.uk

More information on both the junior and full Ace Of Sports Darts Championship coming soon.