Clive Langford Qualifies for UK Open at Age 62
Clive Langford has secured qualification for the UK Open darts tournament at the age of 62.
Langford, a factory worker from Ynyshir in the Rhondda Valley, initially booked a day off work to watch the UK Open but unexpectedly found himself competing in the event, known as the 'FA Cup of Darts.'
He had planned to take Friday, 6 March off to watch Wales' Six Nations rugby match against Ireland, only to realize that the PDC UK Open was also starting that day. He had no initial intention to participate in the major darts tournament until he learned about an amateur qualifying event 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.
This last-minute decision proved fruitful as Langford won the qualifier, earning 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 often referred to as the FA Cup of Darts due to its open draw format, where from the fourth round any two players can face each other.
Qualifying for the event also offers financial incentives. Should Langford win his opening match against Irish player Stephen Rosney, he is guaranteed a prize of £1,250. The overall prize fund offers £120,000 for a player who wins all nine matches.
Langford turned 43 on the day Luke Littler was born.
Facing Price and Littler
Langford grew up playing darts socially in Wattstown in the Rhondda Valley, both at home and at his local pub, but only began taking the sport more seriously after turning 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.
However, working eight-hour shifts in a factory that manufactures parts for aerosol canisters limits how often he can 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 has participated in occasional "£500 tournaments," where he has faced 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!"
Littler Spoils Welsh Party with Premier League Win
Why Are Nine-Darters on the Rise?
Having competed at a strong amateur level in the Welsh darts scene for over twenty years, Langford is focused on enjoying the game rather than pursuing a professional career.
"I like tournaments, meeting up with the boys and just enjoying it," he said.
"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."
Langford will be supported by his son Ben and daughter Carrie at Minehead, while two grandchildren will watch from home.
Although qualifying for his first major tournament could signal a new chapter, Langford remains modest about his prospects.
"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 a day off work to watch the UK Open to qualifying to play in the tournament, Langford's story exemplifies an underdog narrative.
