SOUTHEND'S very own Mr Magic will be hoping to cast a spell over one of the world's top darts players this weekend.

Steve 'Mr Magic' Maish, the world's number 35 ranked player, will take on world number three Peter 'One Dart' Manley in a special best of 31 legs challenge match in the town on Saturday night.

The event, being staged at the American Pool Shack, in London Road, will also see six lucky punters given the chance to take on Manley themselves over one 501 leg of darts.

Builder Maish, 41, burst on to the scene when he made the third round of the 2004 PDC World Darts Championship at Purfleet's Circus Tavern last January.

Now, the popular player is hoping the challenge match will attract a large crowd this weekend.