Factory to the oche: Langford, 62, set for major debut

When Clive Langford booked a day off work to watch the UK Open, he did not imagine he would actually end up playing in the 'FA Cup of Darts' that day instead.

Langford, 62, a factory worker from Ynyshir in the Rhondda Valley, had booked time off on Friday, 6 March in order to watch Wales' Six Nations game against Ireland before realising the PDC UK Open also started on the same day.

He had no intention of playing at the major tournament until he was told about a qualifying event for amateurs in Newport.

"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 late choice paid off handsomely as the grandfather won the qualifier, booking his place at the UK Open at Butlin's in Minehead, which runs from Friday to Sunday.

"I thought I'd have a chance, I'd been playing quite well," Langford said.

"I'm a pretty good scorer" he explained. "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."

The UK Open 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.

Qualifying for the event brings financial rewards too. If Langford wins his opener against Irish player Stephen Rosney he is guaranteed to win £1,250, with a £120,000 prize on offer if he manages to win 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.

"We've always had a dart board in my house since I was a kid, so I've always played. I played for the club once a week on a Sunday night," Langford said.

But working eight-hour shifts in a factory that creates parts for aerosol canisters has an impact on how often he is able to practice.

"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."

Langford resorted to playing in infrequent "£500 tournaments", with 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." He explained.

"No one knew him then, I didn't have a clue what I was playing!"

Having competed at a strong amateur level in the Welsh scene for more than twenty years, Langford is focusing on enjoying playing, with no view to go fully professional.

"I like tournaments, meeting up with the boys and just enjoying it," he said.

"I've never gone to Q School,, external 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."

Langford will be supported by his son Ben and daughter Carrie in Minehead, with two grandchildren watching from home.

Although many players would see qualifying for their first major as a sign of things to come, Langford remains modest about his chances.

"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."

From booking the day off work to watch the UK Open, to qualifying to play in the tournament, Langford's tale is the epitome of an underdog story.