BARRY HEARN'S OFFER TO BUY THE BRITISH DARTS ORGANISATION

Well the news has hit the streets and big news it is too. Barry Hearn has launched a very public bid to buy out and take over the BDO. In an article published in The Sun newspaper Hearn has offered £1 million for the BDO with a further promised £1 million investment into Youth, Ladies and County Darts.

The letter and offer has been sent to the BDO Board and reportedly all 66 member counties.

I guess anyone who has thrown a dart outside of the local pub team has played under the BDO umbrella at some point, myself included.

I had a good few years as a Superleague player and played in many BDO competitions organised within my local County structure. During those years any investment (or input) from the BDO if it was there, seemed insignificant.

But the burden placed on us as players was to pay ever increasing costs to play darts. The first stab was an extra £1 from every Superleague player which we were told was to fund the Lakeside prize pot due to the withdrawal of sponsors.

Then there were the competitions. None of these had prizes or monetary returns (at least at county level), yet year on year the fees for paying in them increased, to the point where there were a drastically reduced number of players entering them.

Not that I ever achieved that level, but I believe County Darts is an expensive game too for those who earn the call up to represent their region. Lots of expense, lots of effort and travelling by the participants - all for the love of playing County Darts. Isn't it time the potential stars of the future got a little something in return?

At the top level, BDO Darts has been in decline for years. The split in 1993 saw 16 of the very best players in the world break away to try and make a living after intense and prolonged negotiation failed with the 'stick in the mud' hierarchy at the BDO.

That that hierarchy remains in place at the BDO 16 years later is incredible.

After building up a head of steam and a quality set of players at Professional level within the BDO by the end of the century, the majority of the top players once again decided that the grass was greener in the PDC.

This coincided with the arrival of Barry Hearn to the PDC and since then the sport of Darts at the very top level has roared on to massive success.

Players have drifted over to the PDC year on year, most importantly 5 time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld, with the BDO in 2009 left at the top level with tournaments devoid of most of the stars of the sport. Some of the old guard remain, quite rightly, as they see their chance of securing the two remaining prize pots (Lakeside and World Masters) increase as talented players depart for the PDC.

However despite the quality of players that of course continue to come through the BDO system, the major tournaments broadcast by the BBC are tired and dated with stagnant prize pots. The major press in Britain either ignore or ridicule the BDO's major events with similar opinions shared by a number of darts fans. The public perception is the same. Most casual sports fans laugh into their tea and coffee if the Lakeside or World Masters are mentioned. That's not the way it should be for what once were two huge prestigious, flagship events in our sport.

A number of darts fans (myself included) will watch and enjoy the World Masters and the Lakeside as keenly contested tournaments, even though the participants hair may be greyer each year or a little less in volume! But we are in the minority.

The BDO needs a shake up at all levels ... and it needs investment.

We need to put an end to the petty bickering that has ruined darts for many for the past 20 years.

Let's hope Hearn's offer is taken seriously if not by the BDO board, then at least by the member counties who hopefully can see a solid investment and commitment for the future as a really positive thing.

This is the best chance to take darts forward at all levels in the UK, probably since the formation of the BDO way back in the early 1970s.

Game on (I hope)....

Eye of the Taylor

It's been almost a week now since Taylor completed his unique achievement and completed the PDC Grand Slam by holding all of the ranked events in one year. Because it's Taylor I feel we almost expect it from the man now. That is how good Taylor is!

Taylor of course completed the Grand Slam in 2002, when there was fewer tournaments. When you add the Grand Slam of Darts into the mix as well the feat becomes even more unreal in terms of belief. These are tournaments where players of the ability of James Wade, Raymond van Barneveld and Gary Anderson have all competed. These men widely recognised and spoken about as Taylor's challengers for the top. Only James Wade has spoiled the party with his Premier League triumph back in May, otherwise Taylor would hold all of the titles.

Manley's Million has been a modern day story of triumph in sport for me. When Barney came across and took the number one spot in the rankings from Taylor, as well as the PDC World Championship the questions were there about Taylor's future. We can look back at other moments such as Adrian Gray dumping Taylor out of the World Grand Prix in 2007, an awful Masters of Darts which contained a mauling from Barney, and Manley's on stage antics after defeating Taylor in the Premier League in 2008, as the real low points. Taylor though isn't the sort of person who will just walk away and prove the doubters right. We all know about Taylor's work ethic, something instilled in him from his younger days, and his struggles as a young man. When so many people in society don't seem to want to haul themselves up from tough beginnings, Taylor is a shining star in this respect. Look at him now, the best darts player the world has ever seen and it's not just through natural ability it's very much down to hard work and dedication like no other player has put in.

These low points really did seem to get that "Eye of the Tiger" back into Taylor's game. He almost went away and reinvented himself, changing his darts, rededicating himself and getting back on the floor to get his match sharpness back to it's very best. What we've seen since is a period of dominance as we have never seen before, especially with so many events now on the PDC Calendar.

What can we expect in the future from Taylor? In the next few years I can only see Taylor striving for more and more titles. The money is darts now is obviously a motivating factor for Taylor, but equally Taylor seems the sort of person that has that will to remain "The Man". I don't think that Taylor will rest on his laurels. I can only imagine that Taylor will want to complete the set and hold all of the titles in one year that he possibly can. Wade's Premier League win in May, could almost be seen as a motivating factor for Taylor because next time around, he's going to be striving to get what I'm sure he sees as his title back.

Can anyone stop him? I'm not sure that any current player can knock him off of his perch as the number one players in Darts, but I do feel some can win PDC titles and take it to Taylor. I've inferred with my comments in bold, who is the danger man in my eyes, and we obviously can't look past James Wade with his four majors behind him at such a young age. These two have to up their games, and the chasing pack will also have to do great things to get near Taylor though. Age is the only thing, right now, that I can see catching up with The Power unless the others can match Taylor's dedication to the game.

SID WADDELL INTERVIEWED

Q&A WITH SUPERSTARS OF DARTS FORUM MEMBERS

Introduction :

Sid Waddell has been there, seen it, done it and got the T-shirt when it comes to Darts. His career in the sport began in the early 1970's with the Indoor League show which featured the first 'Superstars of Darts' alongside masters of shove ha'penny, skittles and other noble pastimes. I remember being fascinated by the show watching it on the multiple screens in my Dad's electrical shop while serving customers their dose of Ever Ready batteries or a 13 amp plug. Little did we know that Waddell's series was capturing a soon to be departing era from our culture. The various bar games, Freddie Trueman, smoking in public - all these fine things have all but disappeared from today's world. Except for Darts that is. Thanks to the bravery of 16 of the best known arrowsmiths in the early 1990s our beloved sport is now experiencing popularity in the 21st century which looks like eclipsing even it's Golden Age of the early 1980s.

Moving from the Indoor League to a commentator with the BBC, Sid has been involved with Darts right the way through its highs, lows, splits and ultimate resurrection into a big money sport.

Thanks to Sid for agreeing to be questioned by our pernickety forum members!

Sid's new autobiography, 'The Road Back Home' about his early years is out now from EBury Press.



From Andy Fairclough : Your new book about your formative years is written in a style that very much entertains and also gives an almost fictional feel to things. This is particularly evident in the first chapter where you recount events in the family prior to your birth. This method definitely keeps things moving along, so how much of a conscious decision was there in this style and approach to the prose and how long did the book take you to write?

Sid Waddell: The book took about five years, but I cut out my career at Cambridge and my years in the telly. My editor said the first 18 years were the most interesting. My early drafts were too focused on the ego, exploits and my personal activities and so I adopted a ‘novelistic’, approach, to paint a broader picture of a mining community.
I had read Bill Cullen’s story of hard times in Dublin ‘A Long Way From Penny Apples’ and was impressed by the third-person account of his parents’ life before his birth. I used the same technique for my parents from 1922 to 1940.
Generally I write dialogue fast and pretty well, and struggle with prose. But doing up to six drafts helped the ‘euphony’ (writing like you speak) of my sometimes jagged prose.


From Cmoorbutz : How did you think that Renford Rejects compared to your creation of Jossy's Giants?

Sid Waddell: I never saw the show. But I admit I did swipe some ideas for Jossy from the brilliant ‘Bad New Bears’ movie with Walter Matthau as the boozy baseball coach.


From Mr Glass : Hi Sid. As a fellow member of the Red Sox Nation, my question is... What is your single most memorable Red Sox moment to date.? (p.s. Mine is the ALCS comeback win against the Yankees in 04)

Sid Waddell: No argument. To be three down and win 4-3 against the damn Yankees was brill. I have been a Sox fan since 1980 when first went to Fenway and boozy fans taught my daughters ‘Take Me Out To the Ballgame’ and offered buckets of Bud to 8-year-old son Dan. He accepted!
Definition of an uncurable optimist? Bloke who supports Red Sox and the Toon.



From bing76 : Have you ever thought of commentating on Cricket ?

Sid Waddell: Not a chance. I would get lynched at Lords and heaved headlong out of Headingley.
Darts commentary is a different beast to cricket, tennis or footy. In almost all sports the drama comes in the form of CONTRAST: defence scrambles to keep out rampant Messi, or limping Smith tries to batter controlled England bowling. In darts the high drama comes when two blokes do a monotone repetitive series of 140, 180, etc. That’s when you need all your armoury of wit, stats, enthusiasm, growling admiration. My asthmatic whoopy voice seems to fit, even though some folk would like to strangle me. Also, the best advice I ever got was from my early mentor at the Beeb, Nick Hunter:’Don’t state the OBVIOUS.’ You are there to augment the picture, not give it frills.


From Chinaboatman : As well as sports commentary you have been involved in a number of other fields throughout your career such as television production, literature and screen writing. Is there a non sports related dream project that you would love to be involved in one day?

Sid Waddell: I had so much fun writing the historical third-person bit of ‘The Road Back Home’ that I might try a Catherine Cookson series of novels starting in 1900 and coming to present day about a fictional mining family in Geordieland. As usual, I’ve got a few titles and no pages. ‘Sometime Scholar’ would be 1959-62 when a swotty big head went to Cambridge, all flat cap and attitude, but choked with inverted snobbery.


From Rudy, Holland : Hello Sid, you're one of the early hours' vintage darts reporters together with Tony and John. If you look back at 30 years of pro darts, how do you think modern day darts and its players compare to those of the early eighties, organization, media, skill and charisma wise?

Sid Waddell: The game is now 100% professionally organised and played by 99.9% of players with a pro attitude. Some tiny few still come along for a throw and a few beers with their pals.
With five million quid in the kitty worldwide you can have a good career if you have the dedication. The Sky coverage, just like in rugby and cricket, takes you to the heart of the action and the skill. The glitzy presentation highlights the showmen like Mardle and Manley. We are in showbiz despite what some anoraks might think.
That having been said, the booze did add a charm and frisson in the days of Alan Evans and Jocky Wilson. They were heroes straight from the tap-room; Evans in a tatty red jersey giving Denis Law salutes, and Jocky having a swally and taking his false teeth out in triumph. These two did not need lights or rock music to come over the lens writ large.


From Darth Vader : Sid, The split in 1993 still remains one of darts biggest talking points. What do you think (if anything) could/should have been done from preventing the split in the first place, and what in your opinion needs to happen to get both sides working together in future?

Sid Waddell: As you can read in my book ‘Bellies and Bullseyes’, the split that started in 1993 and peaked after legal action in 1997 was inevitable.
The BDO under Olly Croft were running world darts like a feudal fiefdom. Then democracy entered – just like in tennis and athletics – and 17 top players demanded a voice for player power. Led by Lowe, Harrington and other players and supported by darts manufacturers the WDC (later PDC) was born. They have never looked back. Sadly, the BDO’s attempt to force a change in the players’ attitude by imposing a world-wide ban – in effect damaging their livelihood - left a poisonous bitter legacy. The scars are deep and will never heal.



From GrayIsALegend : Do you still play darts yourself and what is your current approximate 3 dart average?

Sid Waddell: When I played for St John’s College at Cambridge in 1959-62 I was deadly at Double 13 to start and Double 8 to finish. This helped Brissy and me win the Fleet St Pairs in 1981. Sadly things have deteriorated sharpish. A couple of year’s back Helen Chamberlain scored 300 against my 93 in three minutes on telly. So my average was about 24 each time to the board!!!


From Spaceman70 : Sid, it tickles me every time I see the match at the Circus Tavern (I think) where Phil overhears your exuberant commentary whilst going for a 9 darter. Have there been any other incidents where you have been asked to turn it down a bit?

Sid Waddell: The match was in fact at Rochester and was the final of the World Grand Prix in October 1998 against Rod Harrington.. Taylor was going for Treble 17 and Bull to win £25000 and heard me scream ‘TREBLE SEVENTEEN!!!’ He hit the treble but missed the Bull by a whisker.
I have been yelled at, threatened with violence and jeered since my first outing on BBC Grandstand in November 1977. I was sitting on a balcony at Preston with no sound-proofing and going nuts about a Geordie 7-man team. Suddenly a Toony voice yelled ‘If that **** up there does not shut up I’m coming up to clock him!’
Happily, with 10,000 equally loud loonies at Premier Leagues even my wildest banshee wails are swallowed up.


From Dug : Sid, who do you think looks the most exciting prospect in the darts world at the moment?

Sid Waddell: There are signs that Adie Lewis is shaking off his caterpillar skin and learning to fly without a net. He had a recent 9-dart and is top of the Champs League prize money with over £11,000 even though he’s not won a group final. He is a commentator’s dream; big, daft and bouncy. Once the gamesmanship and the rushes of blood stop, he could be World Champ..


From SoulRebel1980 : Sid-What are your views on the future of darts on TV, both BDO and PDC?

Sid Waddell: They’ll be doing things in sepia at Bridlington and Frimley Green while we at Sky will be bringing you Technicolor rock ‘n roll from Dublin, Las Vegas and the flamboyant Ally Pally. No contest.


From OzzieB : Alright Sid- What would be your dream match to commentate on?

Sid Waddell: I would love to see Gary Anderson get consistency to match his talent. My dream would be to do the patter on a Taylor/Anderson world final at Ally Pally. Reference points: oatcakes versus mealie puddings, English poinards against skean dhus, King Lear against the Pale Faced Pretender. Writhe in yer grave Roget my son.


From Pete (Muppeteer) If you could list your top 10 players in the world today would you pick any BDO players? I

Sid Waddell: No. Martin Adams and Tony O’Shea might creep into bottom of my Top 30



From matty84 : What is your opinion on Martin Adams decision to turn down his invitation to play in the Grand Slam Of Darts?

Sid Waddell: I think being ‘Triton amongst the minnows’ (Big Fish, Small Pool) and the BDO’s only attraction is the top of his ambition. He would not upset Muswell Hill at any price. He’s not got the killer instinct to match the PDC top lads.


From Hotspur : Excluding yourself who do you rate as the best darts commentator and pundit at the moment, and do you think that Sky have the right balance in their Darts shows? I sometimes think that a lot more could be done to highlight and build up players other than Taylor and Barney, and that Bristow's thoughts are the most entertaining of them all (although they are rationed!)

Sid Waddell: Tough one to call. Dave Lanning is my favourite for timing a line and using language. John Gwynne is as manic as me and a whiz with the stats. I think Rod Harrington is a great pundit and a good commentator. Brissy gives great pungent insights like Boycs does on cricket – no pussyfooting.
On Sky we concentrate on Barney and Taylor because their rivalry has dominated our coverage since Ray came over in 2006. Maybe we could do more features on Wade, King etc, but we do colour them up on commentary.


From Nobilo : Will there be any more bellies and bullseyes programmes?

Sid Waddell: None planned at the moment. But repeats will go on till Doomsday!


From Spanish Dartplayer : Hi Sid, just one Question : Would you ever believe anything Tab Hunter told you?

Sid Waddell: I never met Tab Hunter, golden-haired movie idol of slushy celluloid, but if you mean the wide boy window cleaner from Cramlington, ex-star of Northumberland County Darts….yes, and he’s a cramper. I would not believe a dickybird of Tab’s patter. But I’ve enjoyed his company, paid my turn often in Geordie juicers AND his. He’s the kind of gadgie that could limbo dance underneath a swing door.


From Mark (Markveg) : Hi Sid, Rod Harrington recently said that he would propose for the PDC to create their own county system. What are you thoughts on this and does darts need it? (Editor's Comment - Harrington alluded in a recent interview that if the PDC and BDO couldn't find a way to work together he may put forward to the PDC board that they should start their own County or similar system)

Sid Waddell: I reckon the BDO county system is moribund because there is nowt to aim at. The days of an England shirt being the top ambition in darts are over. It would be nice to see a PDC county set-up, but good talent is coming through fast now. It is not essential.


From JAWS : Hi Sid, I am a geordie myself and have to say, you are up their with the geordie greats! Anyway, Lets say in 5-10 years time Phil Taylor has retired from darts...which 5 players could you see at the top of the PDC, and why?

Sid Waddell: James Wade because of his class and self-confidence. Adrian Lewis who is getting less daft each tourney. Paul Nicholson, the Ozzie Geordie who oozes Attitude. Jelle Klaasen who is getting experience fast. Finally, 19 year old Joe Cullen of Bradford, fast with the cracks and a good competitor.



From Chris (ways): Hi Sid, Throughout all your times in darts, which players would you say have been the best to sit and have a pint with?

Sid Waddell: Cliff Lazarenko was great pinter and yarner as my battered liver will vouch. So is Bob Anderson and we had a great late natter at the Premier League in Taunton last Spring. Dennis Priestley and the Mexborough Mafia are great company but once had a boozy ‘Spot the Luigi’ competition in a Frimley Italian caff that could have ended dodgily. But the waiters had a sense of humour.


From TroubleAgain : If you could pick an all time 8 player Premier league night, who would you pick, and also what venue would like you it to be played (past or present)?

Sid Waddell: My line-up is: Alan Evans, Jocky Wilson, Bob Anderson, Eric Bristow, Adrian Lewis, Phil Taylor, James Wade, Ray van Barneveld. All have the flash of arrogance to go with the darting talent. I would like it played at Jollees in Stoke and I’d commentate with a half (back) mullet and a shirt with a collar down to my nipples.


From Colin (mod500) : Sid, what has been the greatest darts match you have commentated on?

Sid Waddell: I have no doubt that the best match was the 2004 PDC World Championship final. Kevin Painter went 4-1 up in sets against The Power. Phil was yelling that he was going to quit ‘cos the pressure was too much. But Eddie Cox, the Geordie drinks’ marshall said ‘Aahi divvent hear ney fat lassies singin’, kidda.’ Phil calmed down and won 7-6 and RETIRED…for all of four days. It was so good I don’t recall a single Sidism!

Darts Curios : Beer Mats (part two)

Six months ago, when this blog was in it's infancy I wrote a short piece about that bastion in Darts history, the humble beer mat.

At the time, I mourned the loss of a terrific website that was around a few years ago run by an American chap that featured an excellent graphical display of dozens of darts related beer mats. I intimated that after some email contact, he was encouraged to start his website up again.

I'm delighted therefore to announce the launch of

http://www.dartsbeermats.com/

The custodian of the site Mike Young, has worked tirelessly to scan dozens and dozens of high quality images for his new website and he's added some useful accompanying text as well.

Darts came from and remains fully rooted in the public house, so in my mind, there is little better way of soaking in a potted history of our beloved game than through the sometimes lurid, sometimes artistic portrayals on beer mats.

From the old (Double Diamond 1976) to the more modern (the Benson & Hedges rather arty duo of Mats) to the transatlantic (note the American Busdweiser Mat), the story of Darts through Beer Mats is fascinating.

The popular stars of the game from the last 35 years are immortalised - Note the Andy Fordham Mat produced by Datadart (though it's in an uninspiring plastic) through to my personal favourites - The Marlboro Team of Champions - one each for Rees, Brown, Rab Smith and John Lowe (the latter still to be added).

Oh and if you had some wit about you while supping in your local watering hole, a mouthwatering 50 pints could be won via the Drybrough's Keg Heavy Fill-In-A-Funny competition on their mat.

Keep an eye on the site as more are being added all the time and there are plans for other sports to be covered as well (Cricket beer mats are on the way!)

Thanks for a great site Mike and I hope everyone enjoys this pictorial extravaganza.

Jamie Caven - Q&A

Jamie Caven may have surprised a few this year with his success on the PDC circuit, but those of us who follow the pro tour and the players form closely perhaps knew that Jabba always had the potential to break through and show his true ability.

With some good TV performances under his belt now, the Darts road to glory is looking good for Jamie Caven as he becomes a regular participant in TV events. Just how far he can go remains to be seen.

One thing is for sure, 90% of the players in the PDC ranks would give anything for a single pro tour win within a year, Caven has managed two within 4 months - the most recent being in Austria last weekend, an amazing achievement.

Superstars of Darts forum member Ant1 put a few questions to Jamie on this back of this recent win and Jabba's news of new sponsorship.

Thanks to Jabba and Ant1.

*


Interview Jamie Caven

(By Antoine, Ant1 on the forum)

I hope you enjoy this interview!

When and why did you start playing darts?

JAMIE CAVEN : I started playing when I was a small child, as my father used to play and that was my inspiration.

Who were your idols at that time? And now?

JAMIE CAVEN : Eric Bristow and Jocky Wilson were my idols. Now I don't have any as I aspire to do as well as I can without focussing too much on other players.

When did you turn professional? What were you doing before?

JAMIE CAVEN : I became professional in 2007. Before that I used to work for the Government.

When did you join the PDC and have you played in the BDO?

JAMIE CAVEN : I joined the pdc in 2007, but I didn't play much in the bdo.

Which is your favourite tournament and why?

JAMIE CAVEN : I love the world matchplay. The Winter Gardens has a very special atmosphere.

What do enjoy the most about darts?

JAMIE CAVEN : As I said I have loved the game since I was a child - so I just love all of it.

Do you prefer to play in the big tournaments or on the floor?

JAMIE CAVEN : I dont mind as long as I can compete.

What are your strengths and your weaknesses?

JAMIE CAVEN : I think my finishing is normally my strength. I would say sometimes my scoring is my weakness and it needs to be stronger.

I read that you practice with Colin Obsorne, what is your practice routine? And do you prefer practice alone or not?

JAMIE CAVEN : I cannot tell you as it is a secret! Sometimes I like to practise alone, but most of the time I need to compete with others.

What are the darts that you use (models, stems, flights, weight)?

JAMIE CAVEN : Jamie Caven unicorn 23g, short aluminium stems and maestro pear shape flights.

You are part now of the Unicorn team ,what does this change mean for you in your career?

JAMIE CAVEN : Unicorn are the premier manufacturer of darts equipment. To join the team of such an elite brand makes me very proud and I feel I can justify playing under their banner.

New site, new sponsors, the future looks bright. What are your goals for this year?

JAMIE CAVEN : Just to try to improve all the time and keep building on current success with more success.

I saw that you have tested new darts made by Unicorn ? Are you happy with what Unicorn offers to you?

JAMIE CAVEN : I am very happy with the new darts. I have just won my second professional event with them!

In An Ideal World

This is a big week for the British Darts Organisation. Their second biggest event the World Masters takes place this weekend with live coverage on the BBC, and they have also announced a 3 year extension to the television coverage via the BBC of their flagship event the Lakeside World Championship.

However the BDO still acts in isolation and buries its head in the sand when it comes to the continued exodus of top players to the PDC and if Barry Hearn's statements are to be believed, the BDO refuses to enter into any form of discussion with the PDC over a state of mutual co-operation for a cohesive future of our sport.

With Barry Hearn time and again saying that he needs a BDO system and that he'd be prepared to give a major financial injection to the grass roots darts systems operating in the UK, the stumbling block clearly is those in power within the BDO who refuse to even contemplate entering into discussion.

The hub of power in the BDO centres around Octogenarian (this year) Olly Croft, OBE, and the Chairman, long term BDO stalwart Dave Alderman. Let's not forget those in the IDPA who've vocalised against the PDC in the past such like Martin Fitzmaurice (himself almost 70) and former World Champion Martin Adams.

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with the World Masters or the Lakeside event, other than the fact that the majority of the world's top players are excluded from participation. What does grate, particularly with the Lakeside is the continued billing of it as "The World Professional Darts Championship" or "The one everyone wants to win".

Probably no more than 8 to 10 of the Lakeside participants for 2010 would make a PDC top 40. And with the likes of former World Champion Mark Webster, World Finalist Simon Whitlock and the blazing talent of Gary Anderson moving to the PDC this year, the 'World Professional' label gets even more ludicrous.

Many would say that you pick your code and you take your choice as to where you play. But that's a statement that assumes and continues conflict by its very nature. Why should there be a conflict at all?

Barry Hearn wants to invest in the system as the World's leading promoter of Darts and the leader of the cash rich PDC. Albeit this investment would probably be on his terms, but that's where negotiation should come in and why shouldn't it be mainly on his terms if he's putting the money up?

So in an ideal world, how could it work?

It's honestly not that difficult, but it means the head burying in the sand of the BDO would have to stop and a handover of power would have to take place.

Croft, Alderman, Fitzmaurice and their like would have to be thanked for their services to darts and move on to hopefully enjoy a satisfactory and long retirement. The BDO could elect a new board from within, featuring experienced negotiators who would deal with the PDC.

A spirit of mutual co-operation would be entered into. Barry Hearn would inject "X" £000,000 per year into the BDO system revolutionising County, Superleague and other darts competitions. Teams would have better support and grass root darts in the UK would have a solid financial backing for the future.

The BDO would work in conjunction with the PDC each year to promote the World Masters and the Lakeside Championship. A good number of places would be reserved in each tournament for those who have qualified through the BDO and WDF systems. The top ranked players from the PDC would also be eligible to take part in both competitions. Perhaps the PDC top 32 go into the World Masters qualifiers with the top 8 BDO ranked players seeded through to the finals as they are now.

The top 24 including qualifiers from the BDO ranks would go through to the Lakeside along with the top 8 from the PDC. The injection of the PDC into these tournaments immediately sees a doubling of prize money for the World Masters and a 30% increase in prize money for the Lakeside. Those BDO players that achieve or make a name for themselves at either event would be invited to join the pro tour within the PDC. PDC Major Tournaments continue unaffected.

Going forward from there all conflict between the organisations is removed and both boards co-operate. The Lakeside and the World Masters are preserved and players can happily move between the BDO and PDC tours dependant on achievement. The County system flourishes and there is a huge upsurge in Superleague participation. All promising UK based players can see there career path mapped out in front of them and know what they have to do to achieve.

When a player makes the grade and is promoted to the PDC tour from the BDO ranks he is greeted with congratulation from his peers and the organisation.

Could all this work? Of course it could, but it would need a big about turn from the BDO and it's organisers and a willingness to change for the sake of our national sport of Darts.

Rewriting History

Considering the amount of on screen statistics available in modern televised darts it never ceases to amaze me how poorly the early years in the sport were recorded.

Maybe the early pioneers had no idea how important the game would grow to be? Who knows!

Indeed, until the PDC website came along it was most unusual to know who had played who in early rounds of floor events. Sadly, this attitude still prevails in some events these days which I find incredible.

Continental Europe has also been on top of producing full results for many years in a lot of its events, even in events with over a thousand entries.

www.dartsdatabase.co.uk is fast becoming an invaluable reference tool but it would be great to see as much of the data from the early years completed, if only to allow people who missed the careers of some of the early legends a real perspective on their achievements.

I have already passed over many records and am still digging through old notebooks and programmes for anything that may be of use in the database and I would urge anyone who has similar records to do the same.

Now I'm sure I'm not alone in possessing a load of seemingly useless data from events of days gone by so if you have any records in old programmes, or from old TV recordings that might help fill in the gaps, please help. Even a prize structure or the event date and venue from an old entry form might be of use.

The Superstars of Darts forum has dedicated areas which can be used to post and discuss details of anything you think might help both here and here.

SKY SHOWS RENEWED COMMITMENT TO DARTS COVERAGE

During this relatively quiet period in the Darts calendar, it's been good to hear that Sky have taken on board two one day events to their broadcasting schedule for the first time.

The South African Masters pits four of the very best in the PDC (Taylor, Wade, Part and King) against 4 qualifying South African players initially, before playing a knockout through to a winner on the night. Previously shown on minor Satellite broadcasters, it's great to see Sky Sports take this on board and watch out for possible further developments with this tournament next year.

Sky have also just announced the 'Jocky Wilson Trophy' for December. A one off which features Phil Taylor and James Wade taking on Robert Thornton and Gary Anderson - in Scotland. Singles and Doubles matches with the first Country to win 4 points taking the title. Sure to be full of atmosphere, fans hope this could be the start of future internationals within the PDC ranks.

Completing the hat trick, Sky (via SkyBet) are backing this year's Championship League of Darts tournament which kicks off in September with viewing available over the internet via SkyPlayer and various betting sites.

In other broadcasting news, don't rule out Sky to make a comeback at Las Vegas next year. Despite the gloomy news at the start of the year that Sky wouldn't be renewing the broadcast contract after this year's tournament, the word is that the Las Vegas Desert Classic is definitely on for 2010 - and who knows, Sky could yet be involved!

ITV are definitely committed to this year's Grand Slam of Darts, but beyond that the picture is not so clear. This is no reflection on the popularity of Darts on ITV, but the difficult financial situation ITV has been in could make an impact. There has been no word as yet on the 2010 Players Championship Finals event, I think it's a case of one step at a time.

Could also be more UK free to view TV news from the PDC in the near future, so keep 'em peeled.

News from the other side of the divide may not be so positive, with Dutch broadcasters unlikely to be able to commit to Lakeside after the 2010 event. This will leave a big hole in the finances and at the moment no clear path as to how it could be filled.

Filling the void

I honestly do not know how Darts fans functioned before the PDC Circus came to town. With so few events after the initial darts boom, it must have been like going cold turkey for some.

I've always had a passion for darts, but with the latest boom my passion has turned almost into an obsession. This year for example we've been treated to the final days of the World Championships at Ally Pally, The Lakeside World Championships and Hankey's return to the throne, then we witnessed the first ever Players Championships at the old home of the PDC, the Circus Tavern (and what an experience the final day was!). The Premier League keeps your interest then before the Summer of Darts with the UK Open, Las Vegas Desert Classic and World Matchplay.... but now we've hit that lull period, the void in the darts calendar.

This is something that you experience in any sport, and I used to find myself climbing up the walls at the end of the football season, but darts and cricket became my salvation in those times. There is of course a few Players Championship events in this time, albeit of an International flavour, the US Open and coming soon the Internet only Championship League of Darts. Possibly the BBC and BDO have found an excellent time to play the World Masters this year, right in the middle of the void left by the PDC and it's vacation from big TV events.

For me, personally, I know now that I will not enjoy the Masters as much as I do the PDC tournaments. This is partly down to what I see as the lack of strength in depth in BDO darts, and also because of the all round product having not moved on for years and years. There is still a batch of top class players on that side of the fence though, and they shouldn't be sniffed at. Hankey, O'Shea, Fitton, Adams and Waites but to name five are all classy operators. Still even with this, we are in the "off season" with the Masters now acting as an appetiser before the PDC comes back into town with the road to Alexandra Palace.

Being a fan of Tottenham Hotspur, and a follower the Essex Country Cricket side I have certain things to keep my sporting mind occupied - but what about you, just what keeps you occupied during the PDC's time off of TV, how do you fill the void?

Some say that there could be too much darts on TV, or that it's at saturation point, but personally a TV event per month is what I would like to see in the future. The calendar is pretty much full but I honestly feel that there is still room for one more tournament and a little re-jig of the calendar to give us Darts all year round. Hopefully this is a goal of the PDC in the future.

Catch Him If You Can!

Arguably Phil Taylor is at his most dominant ever in the sport of Darts in 2009. Yes, there is the occasional and unexpected slip (the Premier League) but on the whole his complete hold over the game is breathtaking and for some fans and players perhaps, a little tiresome. Taylor reckons there is more to come and that he can raise the bar even further and chalk up averages of circa 120.

The real advantage he seems to have is consistency. On a bad day, Taylor averages 98. On a good day, the sky's the limit.

Can anyone catch or match him over the next 6 months? I take a look at 12 of the most likely challengers below and I'm sure there'll be differing opinions and view on this one!



Terry Jenkins

'The Bull' has now reached 7 major televised finals and lost them all. He didn't even get to hang onto Taylor's coattails in the World Matchplay final as he put in a below par performance. Though Jenkins has stood toe to toe with Taylor in the past and beaten him, in current form there is only one winner between the two on the oche - and it isn't Terry Jenkins.



John Part

John Part could be one of the few that give other players hope. He knows he's beaten Taylor in big events in the past with Taylor playing at or near the top of his game. Never more importantly or spectacularly than in Part's 2003 World Championship Final win. However Part hasn't shown his very best for a while now, although glimpses of the old John Part have been there to be seen in the last few tv events. Part knows how to play Phil Taylor and win - that can't be underestimated.



Mervyn King

Mervyn King has also had successes against Phil Taylor, with his biggest win to date being in the Premier League semi-finals in May. King was no doubt over the moon with this victory before it all went spectacularly wrong for him in the final against James Wade. Taylor got his revenge by absolutely thrashing King in the World Matchplay after a close start. King often proclaims he's not the most consistent player, but he's more consistent than most. He seems to suffer from the heat / match fitness from time to time and I think that's his biggest battle going forward. If he can cope with stage conditions in a long match, he's arguably second favourite to challenge Taylor.



James Wade

It seems strange to ask what has happened to James Wade as of course he took the Premier League title just a few months ago. Wade had a fairly easy time of the final as backstage issues and whatever else caused Mervyn King to spectacularly fall flat after beating Taylor. Since then Wade has on the whole failed to impress in the UK Open, Las Vegas Desert Classic and World Matchplay tournaments. Yes, there have been glimpses of his best form but he has gone out of these tournaments too easily. A famous victory against Taylor in the Premier League at the start of the year is ancient history now and Wade has never really threatened Taylor in a long encounter. Wouldn't have said this 12 months ago but can't see Wade being a threat to 'The Power' over the next few months.



Gary Anderson

Gary Anderson has only been in the PDC a few short months but has certainly made his presence felt. He of course hammered a generally below par Phil Taylor in the World Darts Trophy final in 2007 and has run Taylor close in some Pro Tour events since joining the PDC. However Taylor beat him quite convincingly on stage in Las Vegas and James Wade took him out of the World Matchplay. The defeats to Taylor on the tour and on stage in 2009 hopefully haven't taken the steam out of Anderson's challenge and it will be interesting to see whether he has the real fight to challenge 'The Power' over the next few months.



Paul Nicholson

Australia or the North East's hottest prospect, is probably a dark horse and just could come through and lead the pack of challengers. His floor form in the UK tour events has been disappointing overall, but he has just won a pro tour event on his adopted home soil of Australia. It is on the big stage that Nicholson really comes to life though. An impressive debut in the Grand Slam of Darts in 2008 was followed up with remarkable progress through to the 2009 World Championship quarter finals. He then took out Gary Anderson with a superb performance at the UK Open before faltering in an off main stage bad tempered backboard game. We really don't know what Nicholson has to offer as yet but the signs are very promising indeed and who knows what could happen if he were to face Taylor on a big stage.



Simon Whitlock

The Wizard of Aus is another player who has stood toe to toe with Taylor in the past, although arguably he's never faced Taylor at his best. However Whitlock is seemingly ungflappable and by not playing in the PDC in recent years doesn't have that stigma of being a whipping boy for Taylor. It's a real unknown but hand on my heart I don't think Whitlock could hurt Taylor at the moment.



Raymond van Barneveld

And as for Barney who knows? He could have won the Vegas Classic and what would that have done for his confidence? The fight seemed to have gone from Barneveld as he crashed out of the World Matchplay, but out of all the players he is definitely the one that can I think challenge and he does have the consistency to be a real threat to Taylor's dominance. However does Barney have the fight anymore? Let's hope for the sport of Darts that he does .. or Taylor could have things his own way for a while to come yet.



Ted Hankey

There was some call for a head to head after Ted Hankey's BDO World Championship win at the start of the year. Barry Hearn stated that the call will get louder if Ted retains his title in 2010. However Hankey has a chance to shine against the best (and perhaps against Taylor) in the Grand Slam of Darts later this year. As with other BDO players though, lack of real regular big match experience during the year could have negative impact and realistically it would be a huge shock in the World of Darts if Hankey manages to overcome Taylor at the Grand Slam.



Mark Walsh

Walsh is arguably playing the best darts of his life, but when he has a bad game - he has a bad game! This doesn't mean he can't challenge Taylor in a match and you get the feeling that Walsh is one of the few that is not necessarily beaten before he gets to the oche. If he can iron out some of the inconsistent performances the best may be yet to come from Walshie.



Colin Osborne

Osborne had a terrific UK Open and he reached the final where in the early stages he matched Taylor blow for blow. However his excellent standard couldn't be maintained and to be honest he has disappointed in the two majors that followed. If Osborne can do something about his ability to remain consistent in a longer match then he could challenge Taylor. You get the feeling of real dedication and professionalism with this player and that he'll work hard to try and achieve this.



Ronnie Baxter

And finally rounding off our deadly dozen is a resurgent Ronnie Baxter who is playing at least as well as he's ever played. He beat Taylor in a Pro Tour event in Vegas and dazzled us with some of the best matches at the World Matchplay. The question is, that even at his very best, does Baxter have the game or the mental strength to beat Taylor....?


*

After the World Matchplay and Taylor's ferocious dominance it was hard to see any real challengers coming to the fore. But The World Grand Prix in Dublin is a different kettle of fish and Taylor has fallen before to early round challengers. The internet based Championship League of Darts suits Taylor though, if he has his mind on it and the Grand Slam could throw up its own conundrums with the likes of Tony O'Shea being thrown into the mix. But as for the big one, the World Championships in December - can anyone challenge Taylor?

In my opinion and if he can sort his head out, Barneveld can and possibly King, but for the others it is going to be an uphill struggle to get close to the greatest darts player that has ever lived.

Catch him if you can!