From Phil Taylor’s unforgettable BBC comeback to Michael van Gerwen’s relentless winning streak and the pivotal rise of women’s darts, this article dives into some of the most thrilling and significant moments in darts history, alongside a glimpse into the sport’s current landscape. Discover the legends, the breakthroughs, and the enduring passion that defines the world of darts.
The Current Darts Scene: Action Heating Up
ProTour Intensifies Ahead of Major Tournament
As the darts calendar navigates that unique period between major televised events, the focus shifts to crucial ProTour action. This week, Den Bosch hosts a Players Championship double-header and a European Tour qualifier, providing vital opportunities for players to secure ranking points and spots in future tournaments. Meanwhile, the elite prepare for the highly anticipated World Grand Prix next week, promising a thrilling spectacle of double-start darts. For emerging talent, the Challenge Tour also provides a platform for competition and progression over the weekend.
A Dominant Streak: Michael van Gerwen in 2016
The year 2016 marked one of Michael van Gerwen’s most formidable periods. Already having claimed a European Tour title and a Players Championship event in the preceding week, “Mighty Mike” continued his incredible run by adding two more ProTour titles this week. This achievement completed a ProTour treble and extended his winning streak to an astonishing four consecutive ProTour victories, showcasing a level of dominance rarely seen in the sport.
The Power’s Lasting Legacy: Phil Taylor’s Champions League Triumph
In 2016, darts legend Phil “The Power” Taylor ensured his name was etched onto a new piece of silverware by winning the inaugural Champions League of Darts. This event was particularly significant as it marked the first PDC event to be broadcast on the BBC in many years, bringing darts back to a wider terrestrial audience. Taylor was in devastating form, even against a seemingly invincible Michael van Gerwen. He delivered a series of breathtaking performances, boasting averages of 108, 107, 102, 98, and 99. In a truly emphatic display, Taylor not only lifted the trophy but also thrashed van Gerwen twice on terrestrial television within a matter of days, solidifying his legendary status.
Pioneering Progress: The PDC Women’s Series in 2021
The year 2021 was pivotal for women’s darts with the PDC’s expanded Women’s Series in full swing. Building on the success of previous four-event blocks, particularly during the challenging Covid period, the PDC committed to a proper Tier Tour. This significant development aimed to nurture and develop the women’s game, providing a structured pathway for female players. The initial six titles were shared between established stars Lisa Ashton and Fallon Sherrock. However, the later stages saw a strong emergence of both seasoned female players and exciting new talents, including Natalie Gilbert, who would go on to make a significant breakthrough in the sport.
International Rivalries: The WDF European Cup
On the WDF circuit, the European Cup brought intense international competition. England demonstrated strong team dominance, while the Netherlands secured a healthy share of individual honors. Key players who shone in this event included:
- For England: Glen Durrant, James Hurrell, and Scott Mitchell led their team’s charge.
- For the Netherlands: Wesley Harms and Richard Veenstra delivered stellar individual performances.
Emerging Talent: Raymond Smith’s Breakthrough
Raymond Smith, affectionately known as “The Guru,” introduced himself to a broader darts audience with a memorable victory at the North Queensland Classic. While his career has seen its ups and downs, Smith has consistently built a very respectable record, quietly establishing himself as a formidable presence in the darts world.
A Champion’s Peak: John “Boy” Walton in 2001
By 2001, John “Boy” Walton was at the absolute peak of his powers. Following his success at the Lakeside World Championship the previous year, Walton seemed to collect WDF Open titles almost effortlessly. This week, he added the prestigious British Open title to his impressive collection – a crown he would only claim once in his illustrious career.
Looking Back: Darts World Magazine in 1976
In September 1976, Darts World magazine was still in its relatively early stages, at Issue 46. Yet, even then, the publication demonstrated remarkable foresight, already looking ahead to the future of darts in 1981 and even 2001. This early issue also featured the “Well Played” section, a precursor to the modern “Player of the Month” awards, and notably, the first mentions of the achievements of a “Boy Wonder” – a testament to the magazine’s long history of identifying and celebrating rising talent in the sport.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
