THE BARBADOS DARTS TEAM for the Digicel-sponsored 16th Caribbean Cup has four newcomers who will line up with high quality, experienced players who have tasted success at the highest level.

Making their debut for Barbados are Elouise Martin, Donnie Innis, Clyde Murrell and Sheldon Jordan. The team will face stiff opposition from ten others when the tournament begins at the Sherbourne Conference Centre, Two-Mile-Hill, St Michael, at 9 a.m. today.

The players hope that home advantage will give them the edge this year. They will face stern tests from six-time winners Jamaica, four-time winners Florida (the holders) and the Bahamas team who have also won the trophy four times and did so the last time the event was staged in Barbados.

Optimistic

Team manager Shaun Burke is optimistic ahead of the start of the tournament.

"We came in third at the last Caribbean Cup and I think we have a stronger squad this year, with the newcomers adding significantly to the team spirit and overall quality of the squad. Donnie Inniss, Clyde Murrell, and Sheldon Jordan make their debuts alongside the vastly experienced Winston Cadogan, Roger Edwards, and André Payne," Burke said.

Strong women

"Arguably the ladies squad is even stronger. Elouise Martin makes her Barbados debut and joins former Caribbean Cup doubles champions Maureen Shepherd, Michelle Stephens and Thelma Alleyne to give us a line-up that is equal to any team competing here."

The Caribbean Cup is a real team event and requires depth from the eight men and five women who make up each team. The other countries are also bringing a blend of new and upcoming talent as well as familiar faces.

Competition is expected to run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily with action on 32 boards. Admission is free and the public is invited.

Barbados team: Winston Cadogan, Roger Edwards, Donnie Inniss, Clyde Murrell, Kenneth Green, Sheldon Jordan, André Payne, Maureen Shepherd, Michelle Stephens, Thelma Alleyne, Elouise Martin, Sylvan Graham (non-playing captain), Gregory Catlin (coach), Shaun Burke (manager), St Clair Garret (assistant manager). (SAC)