SOUTHEND darts professional Steve Maish has qualified for the live televised finals of the Blue Square UK Open.

The 44-year-old, nicknamed "Mr Magic" will be given a bye into the second round after finishing joint 63rd in the order of merit following the eight regional final events.

The top 104 players qualified for he finals, which will be screened live on SKY television and take place at Bolton Wanderers' Reebok Stadium in June.

Billericay-born Kevin Painter has also qualified after qualifying in joint-35th place.

Meanwhile, world number 37 Maish is packing his darts and heading off to Belgium to take part in this weekend's Antwerp Darts Trophy.