Great weekend and this to look forward to

What a great start it has been to the World Championships. Close games, good performances, poor performances, surprise packages, upsets, big checkouts and 180s galore.

Many would think Mardle up first is a great start to any World Championship, and usually it would be - but in the form he has been in, the "upset" win for Artut wasn't really that big of an upset. I think that we all want to see Hawaii 501 back and firing on all cylinders, but like another of the PDC old guard, Roland Scholten it looks tough for these guys to climb the rankings again. Manley is another player in this category, but the panto villain did manage to progress. It was good to see Manley on TV again, it's never dull when he's around.

Webby v Walsh, a standout game when the draw was made. Terrible for either player, Webby for me a player capable of being right up there with the best again soon, Walsh proving that he can be already this year with great Pro Tour performances. It must be frustrating for Walsh given his great floor form, as when push comes to shove on the big stage again he was found wanting. This was a game where Walsh peaked high and then dipped, whereas Webster remained consistent throughout. Consistency won the day. I think that you could actually see the Welshman growing in confidence throughout the game. He has a nice draw too and could have a good run now. He is certainly one to watch as I think the longer the format, the more dangerous he could be.

Perez shone brightly on his PDC debut. What a great performance against Laursen, and then a fair performance to match later in the night. Kijamet also impressed me against a disappointing Hazell. Nobody knew a thing about the Slovenian, but he scored well and showed that he can hit a double, his big problem at times though seemed to be nerves at the end of legs when his set-up deserted him. It's always great to see the players from the rest of the world, especially when some show real potential.

How many people thought that Anderson might just be throwing away his darts again? The nerves were there for all to see, but he got over what might be the hardest hurdle and that was the first round match up with the high flying Jamie Caven. What bottle he showed, but I don't think that either played with their A game. Jabba had a real chance to progress but couldn't quite capitalise on Anderson's nerves. How deep can the much fancied Anderson go now, and can he get over his nerves? The Artist survived a dangerous encounter too, against the impressive Suljovic. It seems that Mensur could be seen more often on the Pro Tour next year, and I expect him to be a dangerous opponent week in week out. Painter did well to get through this, and looks back close to his best.

Taylor, the master, did a number on Monk. We've seen a real resurgence from Monk in recent times, so I'm sure that he will be disappointed with his display, despite the Taylor express steamrolling on, 170 out and all. Barney eased through too with an easy win, and the popular King (or were my ears deceiving me) was impressive. The stars are all starting to align. As Dave Clarke said to Barney regarding the Barney Army and his popularity, the fans like to see class darts - maybe that's why King is quickly turning into a must watch fan favourite.

Performance of the weekend, surely it has to be between Lewis, Bates and McDine. Lewis was mouthwatering, blowing away O'Neill with a display that we know he's capable of, but doesn't do enough. What great support again for Barrie Bates, who made last years quarter finals. Although the limp seems there to stay, he certainly didn't limp through, blowing away the fancied Klaasen with some impressive darts. McDine was so brave to battle back from 2-0 down to Priestley, with an injury which was clear for all to see. What a performance from SuperMc. Can he bring out that GSOD form we saw back in 2007?

...and what do we have to look forward to?

Terry Jenkins versus Paul Nicholson - this is the match I've been anticipating the most in round one. Jenkins with seven major finals under his belt, undoubtedly one of the top players in the game right now against the Aussie Geordie, the rising star who everyone is taking notice of. If both bring their best games tonight we will have fireworks.

The battle of the Wizards, Osborne versus Whitlock. Another great looking encounter. On paper we should look forward to high scoring, big out shots and a tight game. Whitlock has shown glimpses of his pedigree in recent times, storming through DPA qualification with victory after victory. We only have to look back to 2008 for his great run to the final of the Lakeside too. Osborne has been one of the PDC players of the year on the Pro Tour, and also with his victory over Taylor in the Championship League of Darts final. Lets hope that they both turn up.

Lets not forget that the likes of the must watch van Gerwen are still to play, three times World Champion John Part has a banana skin game against Toon Greebe, in form Beaton will play Spanish number one Carlos Rodriguez, plus Jaws Colin Lloyd and James Wade will start their challenge for the title on Wednesday. Also, just what will Snakebite Peter Wright's hair look like!

Watch this, enjoy your Turkey then look forward to the already mouth watering second round featuring King v Stompe, McDine v Bates, Tabern v Dudbridge and Webster vs Manley. Barney, Anderson, Taylor, Lewis and Hamilton are all there too. This really looks like being the best PDC World Championship ever.

Andy Fordham - Q&A

From Nikkiboy,
Which have you found the harder to adjust to, throwing the dart because of the difference in the size of your arms since you lost all that weight or adjusting to playing without alcohol?

It's a mixture of both really. Probably my size more than anything has been the most difficult to adjust with. But of course alcohol gives you confidence, so trying to build up the confidence without it has taken a while. At the moment my darts are dipping just below the Treble 20 bed, so that's something I've got to work on, but it's getting better all the time.



From AndyF,
Andy, what's been your most enjoyable PDC pro tour event so far and are you still enjoying it?

All of them really. I've enjoyed going to all of the events and yes, I'm continuing to enjoy it! The support from everyone has been amazing.



From Mod500,
Andy, how long do you see it taking until you get back to the form that won you the Lakeside?

How long is a piece of string? My confidence is building up with every event, but that's an unrealistic expectation at this point, I've got to go one step at a time. There probably won't be any quick fixes but I feel I'm improving.



From lovingdarts2008,
Now that you have been in the PDC for nearly a year, Do you regret not joining sooner or do you think this is the right time?

Truthfully, I probably should have done it years ago. But there you go, you can't turn back time and change the past.




From dartsfan11,
what is your favourite tournament that you have played in?

Well obviously the Lakeside has special memories for me, but I really enjoyed the first Masters of Darts event in Holland where I beat a certain fella called Taylor!



From OzzieB
What realistic goals and ambitions have you set yourself?

To get back on the TV stage.

My best chance of that has to be for the UK Open next year. I'm not expecting to be on the main stage or anything like that but to do enough to get through and play in the finals would be a big plus for me - so fingers crossed.




From Foggs,
Which has been the best game you have played in the pdc so far?

Have to be the match I played against James Wade on the pro tour. I think he won 6-3. At one point it was either 3-3 or 4-2 and I think it frightened him a little bit. It frightened me a little bit as well (laughs). That wasn't supposed to happen of course against one of today's best players in the world - I wasn't expecting to win a leg!


From segaman,
Can you tell me please if you are left eye dominant or right eye dominant?

No idea! I'm right handed so maybe I'm right eye dominant who knows.

(At this point I advise Andy not to worry about it in case it puts him off!)


From Dave (jocky_wilson)
We all know what you could do at your peak but what is your performance like nowadays on the practice side of things with no pressure on you? Just wanna wish you all the best luck and good health for the future.

My practise is not that bad and definitely getting better all the time. I'm practising every day now and I'm definitely seeing myself improve. It's different in a match obviously as your confidence comes into it, but I can see improvement to my game.




From markveg,
Good to see you back playing darts! With the weight loss of the last few years do you use the same darts as you did before or did you have to change?

I have changed. In the past 3 months I've moved up from a 19 gram dart to a 22. Same design but I'm now playing with a heavier weight.



From Rudy,
Isn't it extremely difficult for a former multiple darts titles winner to return to the oche and then have to incur defeats against opponents that before your health problems you would normally beat by a fair margin and how do you manage to stay motivated to still try to improve on your gameplay? I wish you a permanent good health and success in playing your darts at pro level again before too long !


Really it's like starting all over again. It took a while to get my head around it, but you have to look at it as a complete restart.




From cmoorbutz,
What type of trainer would you recommend for wearing when playing darts?


ADIDAS!



From dondo,
Is being back playing darts been good for you as it gives you something to focus on as part of your recovery or in some ways do you find it tough not being able to drink in atmospheres where there is alcohol all around you?



It's not that easy when alcohol is all around you. But being around people that I know and in the darts crowd has helped. It's brought me out of myself and even though I'm the same person, I suppose I've developed a bit of a new personality.




Are you looking forward to the PDC World Championship? Will you be going down to watch? Can anyone stop Phil Taylor?

Yes, I'm looking forward to it and yes I'm going and no, no one can stop Phil!

But you never know in the early rounds. Colin Monk has been playing well lately and it depends on how he plays. Best of 5 sets, you can't take anything for granted. Beyond that and over a longer format you can't see anyone getting close to Phil.



After reading your book you seem to be in a good place right now and happier than you have been for years. How was the process of writing the book with Humfrey Hunter? Did you find it helped you get rid of some of the bad memories and also enjoy some of the good ones? There were some great stories in there but also a frank realisation eventually that you more than overdid it.

To be honest my memory hasn't been too good because of the drinking! But Humfrey Hunter was a nice bloke and it was good to go back over some of the good memories that I could remember! Obviously the bad part was going into hospital, but I had a good time doing the book and I hope people like it. I'm in a far better place now than where I was and just glad I'm around to enjoy things.

I really appreciate all the support I continue to get from everyone at Superstars of Darts and everywhere else, so thanks everyone.



Andy Fordham - The Viking by Andy Fordham and Humfrey Hunter is available from all good bookshops and online retailers and is published by Pennant Books.

DARTS MURMURINGS

Not been blogging too much lately, lack of time, lack of inspiration etc. but will try to rectify that with some 'off the top of my head' pieces if they go down well.

Tomorrow night sees the inaugural Jocky Wilson Cup and some 2,500 tickets have been sold for the event which pitches an English duo against Scottish counterparts, North of the Border. We all know that of course and that James Wade and Phil Taylor will be taking on Gary Anderson and Robert Thornton. And we know that it is live on Sky Sports.

But here's a few bits you may not know unless you've read every single bit of information about the event that has come out this week :

• Jocky Wilson's son Willie will be appearing at the event and after 14 long years away from the TV cameras - news hot off the press is that Jocky himself has recorded a small piece to be broadcast on the night.

• Other news is that James Wade will be trying out a new walk on song, but I guess it will be tough to hear it over the 2,500 boos ringing out from a passionate Scottish crowd!

• And finally for the first time ever in a PDC event the doubles match will be from 1001, not the usual 501. Scoring comes to the fore then as Anderson and Thornton have a good chance of matching Taylor and Wade blow for blow in the doubles game.

I am sure this will be an amazing spectacle and hopefully the success that it is will spur on more national and international challenges in the future.

News hot off the press from the annual Darts Dazzler event put on by Mr Wils and his lovely wife Tinks is that Ronnie Baxter won the event last night in Batley beating Kevin Painter in the final. Story has it that our new favourite bad boy Ted Hankey played well losing out in the semi finals to Baxter - and he then proceeded to storm off the stage!

Hard to believe that it's only two weeks today that the PDC World Championship starts and for those who enjoy the competitive element, do as I'm going to. That is to try and ignore what Mr Taylor is doing. The rest of you who enjoy Taylor's demolitions - lie back and enjoy the thrashings. The only chance for someone else is for Taylor to pick up a really dangerous floater in round one. Otherwise it will be plain sailing for 'The Power' all the way through the competition as the others are currently so far behind his raised standard.

In other news had a good chat with the organisers of Dartex Live earlier in the week and we'll be working closely with them in the publicity for what looks like it could be the most exciting Darts event on British (or any soil) for many a year. Due to take place next May in the Midlands the two day event will feature a galaxy of darts stars playing matches, giving masterclasses and there will be a host of other stuff going on as well, with merch galore on tap (as well as some refreshments on tap no doubt). Keep your eyes peeled on the forum for details of how this exciting event comes together.

Anyway, that's it for now - look out for the SoD World Championships prediction competition - where you can win Unicorn Darts - launching next week on the world's favourite Darts forum.

TED AT THE CROSSROADS

Well love or loathe the Ted Hankey 'character', he has certainly caught the darts headlines this week, perhaps more so than at any other time in his career.

Whether it's the national newspapers or Stephen Fry with his 1 million followers on Twitter - everyone is talking about 'The Count'.

People who've never or who have rarely ever watched darts before are talking about and tuning in to watch Ted's matches.

This could be an important crossroads for Ted and his career and it's hard to see which path he'll take.

On the one hand it could be that Ted sees this as a one off at the Grand Slam and that he's totally serious with all he's said to date. Yes he can go back to the BDO and to Lakeside and you never know he could win a third world title one day. He certainly has the talent to do it. But argy bargy with the crowd is nothing new for Ted, it's happened throughout his career, as has the swearing on stage from time to time. Ted could plod on as a member of the BDO faithful taking the exhibitions and prize money where he can and of course he has the job of commentating sometimes for the BBC too. I'm sure he'd get by.

On the other hand Ted could be on the verge of the being given the keys to the golden kingdom and making himself a very wealthy man indeed. If his tongue is just a tad in his cheek, the Grand Slam could be the start of something very big for Ted. He is 'THE' character - eclipsing the likes of Mardle, Manley, Nicholson and Lewis. When Ted takes to the stage it is must watch. And although he hasn't really shown it so far, Ted is an incredibly talented darts player - one of the very very best in the sport.

A move to the PDC while it may seem a strange concept at the moment could really revolutionise Ted's career. He'd get to play against the cream of the crop week in, week out on the tour (away from the aggravation of the crowds) and when the big TV events do come around, SKY TV and others would lap up The Count's character. The promotion and buzz around him would be huge. Lucrative sponsorships, exhibitions and good pay days would be within Ted's grasp - and a lot of that without taking into account earnings on the oche.

Yes, he'll get a slap on the wrist for his onstage swearing during the first match, but in the scheme of things that was a minor blip on the radar.

If Ted is to take a big step forward, he needs to learn how to handle the boisterous crowds. If some of his reaction is an act, then great - he's halfway there and the audiences and sponsors will love him.

Ted is at the crossroads - which road will he take in the New Year?

Countdown to the Grand Slam

We are on the eve of what some have called a bigger championship than the two World Championships. The reason for that of course is due to the split and what has recently been described as a devaluation of each title. At the Grand Slam of Darts two world's collide. The best of the BDO (minus Martin Adams) and the best of the PDC, head to head, live on ITV4.

I am personally anticipating the third edition of this tournament more than I have the past two, mainly due to the presence of current BDO World Champion, Ted Hankey. Hankey is definitely high profile in the Darts world, and for the casual fan. Basically everyone who watches darts knows Ted Hankey. It's the first time that he has qualified for the Grand Slam of Darts, and finally a chance for us to see him compete in the PDC environment. The persona of The Count is definitely something, like Wayne Mardle and Peter Manley, that should be in the world of the PDC. Over the top if you like, almost "sports entertainment". I only hope that the PDC and ITV uses this well, and plays on the Taylor vs Hankey head to head talk that we've had for a sizeable part of the year.

Hankey has been known to act like a ticking time bomb in the past, blowing up at previous BDO World Championship. The recent talk of a BDO takeover bid from the PDC could potentially test Hankey's mettle once more. I can only hope that any crowd reaction will not hinder Hankey's game, as in full flow he can be an absolute joy to watch. The PDC crowd has been known to be excitable in recent years, and we've seen at certain events some players massively favoured against others. Hankey's negative comments about the PDC's offer might just fuel this fire, and turn the crowd against him. Anderson in the past felt a bit of a backlash, possibly due to being seen as a "BDO Player" at the Grand Slam, and we have also seen fans quickly turn against the likes of Paul Nicholson, unfamiliar, and seen as cocky with his hush sign. Nicholson seems to be a player who thrived on the jeers and turned this in his favour, will Hankey be the same should the boo boys surface?

Although Hankey's presence is the big draw in my opinion, other BDO players will have the opportunity to make a real impact. Darryl Fitton, with one of the best entrances in the game will certainly get the crowd going, lets also hope that he brings his A game with him and turns it on, on the oche. Tony O'Shea is making real waves in the BDO this year. A massively talented player, O'Shea finally has come out of the shadows and become the number one ranked player in the BDO. After a successful year, and with his general positive interaction with the crowd I can only see O'Shea having a good run at the Grand Slam. He will also be seen as one of the favourites for the BDO World title.

Last year we saw Anastasia make big news, competing against the men, and we'll see her again this year, notably head to head with Phil Taylor. Current women's World Champion Francis Hoenselaar makes her debut in the GSOD this year, and will clash with her Dutch counterpart "The Man" Raymond van Barneveld. What a draw both women have, arguably the two best players of all time, on day one of this tournament. Taylor versus Dobromyslova, and van Barneveld vs Hoenselaar. Both are intriguing contests, and this will certainly be nine very entertaining days of darts in Wolverhampton.

Taylor of course will be favourite to add to his impeccable year of darting history and make it a hat-trick of GSOD titles, but with van Barneveld, Wade, Anderson, Hankey, Fitton, O'Shea, Jenkins, King and many more of the top stars in darts in town, maybe Taylor won't have it all his own way this year.

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!