A player throws a dart at a Zhoushan competition. [Photo/zhoushan.cn]

The first Asian-level steel-tip darts competition was held in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, on May 17 and 18, gathering over 100 elite players from across China and abroad.

The event marked the city's 18th high-profile darts tournament since 2003, reinforcing its reputation as a pioneer in China's dart playing.

The competition featured rigorous qualifiers, finals, and mixed doubles matches. National champions and international players had distinct styles. Notably, over 10 disabled players joined the event, with organizers providing accessible facilities to uphold inclusivity.

Innovation took center stage with a debut digital scoring system, reducing human error and enabling data-driven adjudication. Live-streaming with professional commentary attracted hundreds of thousands of online viewers, amplifying darts' transition from a niche sport to a mainstream entertainment.

"From local contests to Asian-level events, we're elevating both competitive standards and public engagement," said an organizer of the event. Future plans include integrating sports with technology and culture to solidify darts as a signature urban brand.