In a moment of intense drama at the European Darts Open in Leverkusen, darts player Rob Owen came agonizingly close to achieving one of the sport’s most coveted feats: a televised nine-dart finish. With just one dart remaining to secure perfection and a place in history, Owen missed the crucial double 12, an experience he described as believing ‘it was in.’ This near-miss highlights the razor-thin margins in professional darts and the immense pressure players face, even as the sport continues to offer substantial prize money, as seen with the upcoming European Darts Open 2026.
A Brush with Perfection: Rob Owen’s Near Nine-Darter
The atmosphere in Leverkusen was electric as Rob Owen stepped up to the oche. He had already navigated eight perfect darts, setting himself up for what would have been his first ever televised nine-dart finish – a rare and celebrated achievement in the world of darts. A nine-darter involves hitting a perfect sequence of nine darts to finish a leg, typically starting with two maximum 180s (three darts hitting the treble 20) followed by a 141 checkout (treble 20, treble 19, double 12).
The Crucial Moment: Double 12
Owen’s performance had been flawless, building up to the final dart. He needed a double 12 to seal the deal. As he released the dart, he felt confident. “When I released that last dart, I thought: ‘It’s in’,” Owen recounted. However, the dart narrowly missed its target, landing on the wire that separates the double 12 segment. The crowd gasped, and Owen’s expression showed a mix of disbelief and disappointment.
This agonizing miss underscores the immense precision required in darts. Even the slightest deviation can turn a historic moment into a ‘what if’ scenario. A televised nine-darter not only brings significant prize bonuses but also cements a player’s legacy, often replayed for years to come.
The Rarity of Perfection
Achieving a nine-dart finish is incredibly difficult, even for the world’s best players. It requires consistent accuracy under immense pressure. The mental fortitude to maintain such focus through nine consecutive darts is what truly sets these moments apart. While Owen didn’t achieve it this time, his attempt was a testament to his skill and nerve.
Beyond the Oche: Prize Money and the European Darts Open
The European Darts Open, part of the PDC European Tour, is a significant event on the darts calendar, attracting top talent from around the globe. These tournaments offer substantial financial incentives, making every match, and every dart, incredibly important.
For example, the upcoming European Darts Open 2026 in Leverkusen is expected to feature significant prize money, drawing stars like Michael van Gerwen, Danny Noppert, and other elite players. The prize fund for such events can be substantial, with top players vying for tens of thousands of pounds for a tournament win, and even smaller amounts adding up for those progressing through the rounds. This financial reward further intensifies the competition, making every precise throw, and every near-perfect leg, a high-stakes affair.
Owen’s near nine-darter, while disappointing in the moment, serves as a thrilling reminder of the drama and skill inherent in professional darts, and the dreams that players chase with every throw.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartsnieuws.com.
