RUSSELL STEWART will compete in the 2008 Las Vegas Desert Classic after winning the DPA's 'Viva Las Vegas' event on Sunday.
The veteran professional from ACT was victorious in the two-stage tournament at Shoalhaven Sports and Recreation Club in New South Wales, overcoming over 80 rivals over the weekend.
He won Group Three in the early stages to move into the last 16, and wins over Craig Prizeman, Phil Botterill and Paul Nicholson put him into the final, where he overcame Shane Tichowitsch 6-1.
Stewart took advantages of missed doubles from Tichowitsch in the third leg to move 2-1 up, and never looked back with four successive legs to seal the win.
Stewart will compete in the Las Vegas Desert Classic qualifiers on 30 June and 1 July at Mandalay Bay, in a bid to win a place live on Sky Sports in the main tournament.
His prize also includes 12 month's PDPA membership, allowing him to play in the Las Vegas Players Championship tournament on Sunday 29 June.
DartPlayers Australia Viva Las Vegas
Group Qualifiers
Group A: Wayne Brown, Shane Tichowitsch
Group B: Paul Nicholson, Brad Spurway
Group C: Russell Stewart, Mick McCreedie
Group D: Tony Crampton, Paul Neighbour
Group E: Phil Botterill, Bill Keogh
Group F: Dave Muller, Craig Prizeman
Group G: Brian Roach, Craig Strooisma
Group H: Steve MacArthur, John Gault
Last 16:
Brian Roach 3-0 John Gault
Shane Tichowitsch 3-1 Dave Muller
Steve MacArthur 3-2 Craig Strooisma
Paul Neighbour 3-2 Tony Crampton
Phil Botterill 3-0 Bill Keogh
Russell Stewart 3-2 Craig Prizeman
Mick McCreedie 3-2 Wayne Brown
Paul Nicholson 3-1 Brad Spurway
Quarter-Finals
Shane Tichowitsch 4-2 Brian Roach
Steve MacArthur 4-1 Paul Neighbour
Russell Stewart 4-3 Phil Botterill
Paul Nicholson 4-2 Mick McCreedie
Semi-Finals
Shane Tichowitsch 5-2 Steve MacArthur
Russell Stewart 5-4 Paul Nicholson
Final
Russell Stewart 6-1 Shane Tichowitsch