Shayne “The Bulldog” Burgess, born in 1964, was a formidable darts player known for his distinctive throwing style and remarkable accuracy. Despite reaching three major finals – the UK Open in 2003 and the World Grand Prix in both 1999 and 2000 – and achieving two nine-dart finishes, Burgess never secured a major title. His career unfolded during the absolute dominance of Phil Taylor, making every victory a monumental challenge. This article celebrates Burgess’s impressive nearly two-decade run in professional darts, confirming his status as a truly class player who deserves to be remembered, not forgotten.
The Bulldog’s Unique Style and Enduring Career
Shayne Burgess, often affectionately known as “The Bulldog”, was a player who immediately stood out on the oche. Hailing from Hastings, born in 1964, his throwing action was as unique as it was effective. Burgess would bring the barrel of his dart back almost to eye level before unleashing it with pinpoint precision towards the board. This distinctive style, combined with his unwavering focus, made him a captivating presence for fans and a tough opponent for rivals.
Burgess’s professional darts journey was extensive, spanning nearly two decades across various organisations. He began his career in the early 1990s with a stint in the British Darts Organisation (BDO). He then made the pivotal switch to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), where he competed until 2008, and even made a brief return in 2018. Beyond the major tours, Burgess also showcased his talent on the Modus Super Series and the World Seniors Darts Tour (WSDT), and rejoined the BDO for a two-year period in 2012.
Close Calls: Three Major Finals and Nine-Dart Perfection
While Shayne Burgess may not have a major title to his name, his impressive record of reaching three major finals firmly establishes him as a top-tier player who came incredibly close to glory. He wasn’t just a participant; he was a genuine contender:
- In 2003, he reached the final of the UK Open, one of darts’ most prestigious events.
- He also made it to the final of the World Grand Prix in both 1999 and 2000, a unique double achievement in consecutive years.
These appearances against the very best in the sport underscore his immense talent and consistency, proving he was a class act who, on another day, could have lifted a major trophy.
Beyond his deep runs in major tournaments, Burgess also demonstrated the pinnacle of darts skill: the nine-dart finish. This rare feat, achieved by completing a leg in the minimum number of throws, highlights a player’s absolute mastery of the game:
- His first recorded nine-darter came in 2001 at the Eastbourne Open. While not a major televised event, the Eastbourne Open was a respected tournament that often attracted many big names in darts.
- He repeated this incredible achievement in 2012 during a Sussex Super League game, proving his enduring skill and precision years later.
The Taylor Challenge and a Resilient Comeback
Perhaps the biggest factor in Burgess’s lack of major titles was the era in which he played. He was a professional during the undisputed reign of Phil “The Power” Taylor, widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time. Taylor’s dominance was so absolute that he claimed an unprecedented number of major events, making it incredibly difficult for any other player, no matter how skilled, to break through and secure a big win. Burgess’s ability to reach multiple major finals during this period speaks volumes about his exceptional talent and resilience.
Even later in his career, Burgess showed he still had the competitive fire. His comeback attempt in 2018, aiming to qualify for the UK Open, was particularly noteworthy. During the qualifiers, he showcased his enduring class by defeating established names such as Ricky Evans and even Terry Jenkins himself – a player famously known for his own “nearly man” status. While he sadly didn’t make it to the televised stages of the UK Open, and hasn’t featured in a PDC major since, this period reaffirmed his capability to compete at a high level.
A Legacy Far From Forgotten
Shayne Burgess’s career is a testament to talent, perseverance, and the challenge of competing against legends. A former World Championship semi-finalist, his distinctive style, numerous deep runs in major tournaments, and incredible nine-dart finishes paint a picture of a truly gifted darts player. Though he never lifted a major trophy, “The Bulldog” left an indelible mark on the sport and remains a highly respected figure who is far from forgotten by those who appreciate the true artistry of darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
