Patrick Ochieng eyes professional darts career after continental triumph
The Ugandan delivered a dominant performance, averaging an impressive 124 points, including crucial checkouts of 100, 99, and 42 during the tournament.
Patrick Ochieng receives a trophy. PHOTO: Johnson Were
By Johnson Were
Journalists @New Vision
Patrick Ochieng took a significant step toward professional darts status by winning the inaugural Africa Continental Tour 1 in Nairobi, defeating Kenya's Felix Kirwa 8-5 in Sunday's final.
The Ugandan delivered a dominant performance, averaging an impressive 124 points, including crucial checkouts of 100, 99, and 42 during the tournament.
Ochieng's victory over Kirwa - fresh from competing at the WinMau World Masters in London - highlights his growing reputation in African darts. The win follows his recent achievement as Uganda's top-ranked player during national team trials in Gulu.
"My goal is turning professional," Ochieng told Vision Sport upon his return. "I need corporate support to compete in Europe, having dominated East Africa for years."
Uganda Darts Association secretary David Tabaro endorsed Ochieng's potential: "He's proven himself internationally. With more exposure at World Darts Federation events, his professional transition is imminent."
Ochieng will represent Uganda at this year's Africa Championship and use June's East Africa Championship in Tanzania to refine his game. He joins a national squad featuring Job Odoi, Isaac Passi, and seven others in the men's team, alongside an eight-women contingent including Sarah Makanga and Maria Namuganyi.
The Nairobi triumph positions Ochieng as Uganda's brightest darts prospect, with his disciplined approach and high-scoring consistency signaling readiness for the professional circuit. Corporate backing could now accelerate his journey to competing against Europe's elite.