September brings a whirlwind of darts action, mixing crucial PDC European Tour battles for World Grand Prix qualification with nostalgic trips down memory lane. This month, we’ll see top players clash in Flanders, recall the unpredictable drama of past Players Championships, and celebrate the incredible legacies of legends like Billy Lennard, Peter Evison, and Raymond van Barneveld. We also revisit the BDO/WDF England Matchplay and Classic, highlighting the sheer dominance of stars like Glen Durrant, Stephen Bunting, Lisa Ashton, and Julie Gore, whose achievements continue to inspire a new generation, including rising talent Gemma Hayter.
The European Tour Heats Up: Crucial Qualifications Ahead
Flanders Field Awaits
As September unfolds, the PDC European Tour prepares for its latest stop in Flanders, Belgium. This event isn’t just another tournament; it holds immense importance for players aiming to secure their spots in the prestigious World Grand Prix and other major championships.
Recalling a similar European Tour event, we remember Joe Cullen’s phenomenal victory. He navigated a tough field, impressively defeating darts titans such as Glen Durrant, James Wade, and Michael van Gerwen on his path to the title, showcasing a peak performance in his career.
PDC Players Championships: Where Fortunes Are Made and Lost
The PDC Players Championships are renowned for their high stakes and unpredictable outcomes. These tournaments are often vital for players striving for crucial qualifications, making every dart count and leading to intense, nerve-wracking contests.
A prime example of this drama unfolded in 2019 when José de Sousa clinched a title, while lesser-known names like Scott Taylor and Jamie Hughes made surprising runs to the semi-finals the very next day. Such events highlight the depth of talent and the ‘anything can happen’ nature of professional darts.
Remembering a Darts Gentleman: Billy Lennard
September 1996 marked a sad moment for the darts community with the passing of Billy Lennard. Known affectionately as ‘Mr. Consistency,’ Lennard was celebrated not only for his superb competitive spirit but also for his gentlemanly reputation. A News of the World Winner in 1976, he was a familiar and respected figure in darts publications during his illustrious career.
BDO/WDF Classics: A Hall of Fame of Champions
This time of year often brings back memories of the iconic BDO/WDF England Matchplay and Classic events, tournaments that have truly earned their place in darts history with an unparalleled list of champions.
Glen Durrant’s Unmatched Dominance
One name stands out: Glen Durrant. His record at these events is simply staggering:
- He won the England Matchplay crown a remarkable four consecutive times from 2015 to 2018.
- At the England Classic, Durrant continued his reign, securing three titles in just four years.
Other Legendary Victories
While Durrant’s dominance was exceptional, the England Classic also saw victories from nearly every other recent titan of BDO/WDF darts. Notably, Stephen Bunting claimed back-to-back crowns, with his second victory occurring fifteen years ago this very week, cementing his place in the sport’s history.
Women’s Darts: A Legacy of Tungsten Titans
The women’s events at the England Matchplay and Classic boast an equally impressive roll call of champions, proving that the term ‘titan’ applies perfectly to these incredible female players.
Lisa Ashton’s Double Triumph
A decade ago, in 2016, Lisa Ashton achieved a rare feat, winning both the Matchplay and Classic titles on consecutive days, defeating the formidable Deta Hedman in both finals. Her performance was a masterclass in consistency and skill.
Julie Gore’s Enduring Impact
Fifteen years ago, the Classic crown was claimed by Julie Gore, an impressive player whose legacy, while sometimes overlooked, includes a raft of major titles. Her achievements include two Winmau World Masters (Women’s) titles in three years and a host of other significant victories between 2009 and 2013.
A New Generation Shines: Gemma Hayter
Carrying this legacy forward is Gemma Hayter, a DartsWorld ambassador. Her remarkable return to the game has seen her achieve victories across all codes, culminating in her first major title this year with her recent Women’s World Masters win. Hayter’s success, including her win at the 2025 Women’s England Classic, highlights the vibrant future of women’s darts.
Historic Milestones and Iconic Victories
Celebrating Darts’ Enduring Contributions
September 28, 1981, marked a truly significant day for darts in the United Kingdom and beyond. This date represents a pivotal moment, perhaps the start of a major institution or event, that has contributed remarkably to the ongoing evolution and popularity of our sport for over 45 years. It’s a testament to the deep roots and continuous growth of darts worldwide.
Peter Evison’s World Matchplay Glory
In September 1996, Darts World magazine celebrated the incredible performance of Peter Evison, known as ‘The Fen Tiger,’ who famously won the PDC World Matchplay in Blackpool. Evison’s journey to the title was nothing short of phenomenal, featuring equally remarkable victories over two of the sport’s all-time greats: Phil Taylor and Dennis Priestley. This triumph cemented his place in darts history.
Raymond van Barneveld’s Early Triumphs
Around the same time, Raymond van Barneveld was busy adding more BDO/WDF silverware to his collection, notably with a victory in the Belgian Open. In the final, he overcame Mike Gregory, a talented player who had controversially left the nascent PDC due to reported ‘bullying and bans.’ Gregory would only reach one further significant final after this period, making Barneveld’s victory a poignant moment in darts history.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
