Clive Langford, a 62-year-old factory worker from Ynyshir in the Rhondda Valley, has qualified for the PDC UK Open after a last-minute decision to enter an amateur qualifier in Newport. Langford had originally booked a day off work on Friday, 6 March to watch Wales' Six Nations game against Ireland and the UK Open, but ended up playing instead. "I booked a half day first of all, then I thought, I like the UK Open, I'll book a day off to watch that as well, and then I saw the qualifiers in Newport, and to be honest, it was a last-minute decision to go," Langford said.
That gamble paid off as Langford won the qualifier, securing his place at the UK Open at Butlin's in Minehead, which runs from Friday to Sunday. The tournament is known as the FA Cup of Darts due to its open draw format, meaning that from the fourth round any two players could draw each other. Langford, who describes himself as "a pretty good scorer," added: "If I could hit my doubles straight away I'd be quite dangerous, but I suppose that's the same for quite a few players." Qualifying brings financial rewards: if Langford wins his opener against Irish player Stephen Rosney, he is guaranteed £1,250, with a £120,000 prize on offer if he wins all nine games.
Langford grew up playing darts socially in Wattstown in Rhondda Valley at home and at his local pub, but did not take it more seriously until he turned 40. He has played in infrequent "£500 tournaments," facing opponents including future World Champions Gerwyn Price and Luke Littler. "I remember when Gezzy [Price] first came to the tournaments. I played him two or three times. I always lost against him though," Langford laughed. "I actually played Luke Littler as well. He was nearly 15 then, about a year later he was quite famous because he reached the World Championship final. No one knew him then, I didn't have a clue what I was playing!" Langford turned 43 on the day Luke Littler was born.
Working eight-hour shifts in a factory that creates parts for aerosol canisters impacts his practice time. "I used to play Super League darts (the top level of the pub game), but because I work shifts, days and afternoons, it's a bit awkward at times," he explained. Having competed at a strong amateur level in the Welsh scene for over twenty years, Langford focuses on enjoyment with no plans to go professional. "I've never gone to Q School, I just don't have the money to do things like that. I'm way past it now, you do need a good job to go to Q School," he said. He will be supported by his son Ben and daughter Carrie in Minehead, with two grandchildren watching from home. "I would never have been good enough to be professional, but I can play good at the amateur level. I'll just keep playing really, and try to enjoy it," Langford added modestly.
