In a moment that captivated darts fans, Jose de Sousa, known as ‘The Special One’, achieved what has been playfully dubbed a ‘9-darter with 10 darts’. While not a true nine-dart finish – the ultimate perfect game – de Sousa showcased his unique brilliance by being on the brink of perfection before completing a remarkable 10-dart leg. This article dives into how he almost made history and why his 10-dart finish was still an extraordinary display of skill, precision, and the unpredictable charm that makes darts so thrilling.
What Makes a Perfect 9-Darter So Special?
In darts, a nine-dart finish is the holy grail. It means scoring 501 points and checking out (finishing on a double) in the fewest possible darts – nine. This requires absolute precision, hitting high scores like 180s and finishing with a perfect combination, such as treble 20, treble 19, and double 12. It’s a rare feat that signifies a player’s peak performance.
The Unfolding Drama: Jose de Sousa’s 10-Dart Saga
Jose de Sousa’s moment wasn’t a conventional nine-darter, but it was spectacular nonetheless. Here’s how the sequence typically unfolds in such a scenario:
- Initial High Scores: De Sousa started with blistering pace, hitting multiple maximums (180s) or high treble scores, rapidly reducing his score from 501.
- On the Brink of History: After six darts, he had significantly reduced his score, often leaving himself with a three-dart checkout of 141 (treble 20, treble 19, double 12) or 170 (treble 20, treble 20, bullseye).
- The Near Miss: With the crowd on the edge of their seats, de Sousa stepped up for what could have been the final three darts of a perfect game. He hit the first two darts of the checkout combination flawlessly, setting up the crucial double. However, the ninth dart, intended for the double, narrowly missed its target.
- The Resilient Finish: Undeterred, de Sousa returned for his next visit. With his very first dart – the tenth dart of the leg – he calmly hit the required double, completing the 501 checkout.
This sequence perfectly illustrates why it’s called a ‘9-darter with 10 darts’: he was on a 9-darter path, but needed one extra dart to complete the leg.
Why a 10-Dart Finish is Still Phenomenal
While falling just short of a true nine-darter, a 10-dart finish is still an exceptional achievement in professional darts. Consider these points:
- Extreme Speed: Finishing a leg in 10 darts is incredibly fast. Most professional legs take between 12 and 18 darts, making 10 darts a testament to rapid scoring and efficient finishing.
- Mental Fortitude: Missing a nine-darter can be devastating. To immediately regain composure and hit the required double on the very next dart demonstrates immense mental strength and focus under pressure.
- Entertaining Spectacle: These moments, filled with anticipation and near-perfection, are what make darts so exciting for viewers. De Sousa delivered high drama and brilliant execution.
The Signature Style of ‘The Special One’
Jose de Sousa is famous for his unique playing style, earning him the nickname ‘The Special One’. He’s known for:
- Aggressive Scoring: De Sousa often goes for high-risk, high-reward shots, leading to explosive scoring runs.
- Unconventional Counting: His counting method is often described as unorthodox, sometimes leading to unexpected routes to a finish, but often resulting in brilliance.
- Charismatic Presence: His expressive reactions and engaging personality make him a fan favourite, and moments like this only add to his legend.
This 10-dart finish is a perfect encapsulation of de Sousa’s career – moments of breathtaking skill, a touch of drama, and an undeniable ability to entertain.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartfreakz.nl.
