Scott Marsh won a thrilling singles final at the 11th Sheppey Darts Classic.

He beat Pip Blackwell 6-4 with a one-dart average of 31.02 to earn the £2,000 first prize in the BDO ranking event at Merlins on Sunday.

Ricky O’Brien, meanwhile, made the semi-final – the best-ever performance from a Sheppey-based player.

Organiser Tony Cox was delighted with quality on show but admitted this could be the last Classic.

Hosts Merlins and major backers SJC Transport helped this year’s event go ahead but organisers struggled to raise sufficient funds.

Entries over the weekend were also 50% down from last year.

Mr Cox said: “The level of competition was brilliant and I don’t think we’ve seen such good
semi-finals and final before.

“But, unfortunately, we’ve lost money and it all boils down to sponsorship.

“We will have to meet to decide what to do and whether it is feasible to go ahead next year."

Despite the problems, those who did turn up – including just nine players from the island – produced some great darts.

Marsh reached the final with wins against Lionel Sams (4-3), Peter Mitchell (4-3) and Terry Dunford (5-2).

Blackwell set up a clash against Marsh thanks to victories over Lewis McGurn (4-1), Craig Murphy (4-1) and O’Brien (5-1).

On Saturday, a one-dart average of 22.21 saw Sally Rose edge Marlene Badger 4-3 in the ladies’ singles final.

Tommy Wilson beat George Edwards 3-2 in the youth final, while Lee Mant and Paul Dawkins lifted the pairs’ title.