Chekov has poetically described the joys of darts, and I for one am sad that we will have to wait another 51 weeks for the return of The Count, Wolfie, Bobby and co. The thud of the steel tips into that cork circle is surely one of the most satisfying sounds in sport (alongside Anna Kournikova’s forehand grunts).
This year’s tournament produced some memorable games, not least the Final, in which Ted Hankey almost contrived to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. It would have been painful to watch Hankey if O’Shea did clinch it but thankfully he stumbled across the finishing line. One thing that really comes across when watching these players is the simple humanity and realism of it all. There is no pretentiousness and the players, whilst obviously disappointed in defeat, appear happy to take a place in the audience and cheer on their pals.
My favourite moment this year was a live interview between Ray Stubbs and Ted Hankey, who had just won his quarter final. Hankey was providing us with a detailed account of the benefits to his game of relative sobriety and a new found ‘healthy’ lifestyle. Stubbs then enquired as to whether he was now away to get some rest and prepare himself for the semi final. “No” was Hankey’s response. “I’m away for a fag”! Superb.
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