MEXBOROUGH'S Darren Johnson won the first ranking event of this year's Streamline Taxis York Open Darts Championships.

Over 100 players took part in the event which was held at Huntington WMC in York.

Now in its seventh year, the competition involves 12 ranking events which are staged every fortnight between January 7 and July 1.

Players collect ranking points based on their performances at each event in addition to prize money for reaching the last eight.

The top 48 players at the end of the ranking stages take part in the Grand Finals on August 5 along with the top eight ladies and the top four youth players (aged under 18).

Johnson, a semi-professional, is currently ranked 77 in the Professional Darts Corporation's Order of Merit and reached the last 32 of the German Darts Championship three months ago as well as the last 16 of the PDC Players Championship in May 2016.

The event is organised by York Darts Promotions in association with Red Dragon Darts.

Anyone interested in sponsoring boards at the event should contact Neil Hart at York Darts Promotions on on 07921128063 or email neilhartydp@hotmail.co.uk.

Players wishing to take part in the second ranking event at Huntington WMC on January 21 need to register by 12.30pm on the day for a 1pm start.

For details about the prize money involved visit www.yorkdartspromotions.com.