Leslie “Boet” Beukes from Grassy Park triumphed 4-2 over Jason “The Joker” Erasmus to claim the first darts title of 2021 in the Strugglers Friend Challenge held at Grassy Park Hotel on Sunday, April 11.
The 67- year-old stalwart has proven that he will be around to upset the apple cart for some time.
Boetie Gates, as he is known in darts circles, is one of the most liked dart players around and is always there to give advice and assist in the running of the tournament by keeping score.
He ousted Chad Slamet, Charles Losper and Nolan Arendse on his way to the final. Arendse has won the last 2 challenges but was booted out 4-1 in the semi-final by Beukes.
Underrated Jason Erasmus overcame Dennis Alexander, Vernon Bouwers and Vernon Martin to reach the final. Erasmus played brilliantly throughout the day but came up against a more determined player in the form of Beukes in the final.
Beukes clinched the final with a 15 darter in the sixth leg and walked away with the prize money.
In other results, Lance Rustim beat Richard Oliver 3-1 in the plate final.
The individual league resumes on Wednesday where the finalists will meet each other in the opening match of the night.
The next Friend challenge is scheduled for Sunday April 25.
Full results
Last 16
Vernon Bouwers 4-3 Gary Dowman
Jason Erasmus 4-0 Dennis Alexander
Giovanni Mathee 3-4 Enrico Vester
Shaheen Swanepoel 1-4 Vernon Martin
Cameron Carolissen 4-1 Chad Newton
David Jantjies 0-4 Nolan Arendse
Chad Slamet 2-4 Leslie Beukes
Dyllon Stemmet 0-4 Charles Losper
Quarter Finals
Vernon Bouwers 3-4 Jason Erasmus
Enrico Vester 3-4 Vernon Martin
Cameron Carolissen 3-4 Nolan Arendse
Leslie Beukes 4-2 Charles Losper
Semi-finals
Jason Erasmus 4-1 Vernon Martin
Leslie Beukes 4-1 Nolan Arendse
Final
Leslie Beukes 4-2 Jason Erasmus
Canal swim challenge