#dart player

[higherentity]

[scotianostra]

Happy 52nd Birthday 2020 PDC World Darts Champion Peter Wright.

Peter was born in Livingston on March 10th 1970, but spent most of his childhood in England, he chose the country of his birth as his home nation when playing darts and helped Scotland win their first World Cup of Darts title in June 2019, defeating the Republic of Ireland 3-1 in the final in Hamburg.

Originally a qualifier for the 1996 Lakeside Championship, it would be more than a decade before Scottish-born Wright joined the PDC circuit on a full-time basis, he has since given up his job as a tyre fitter and gone from strength to strength.

After making progress up the rankings during 2011 and 2012 - which included his maiden ranking title at a Players Championship in Killarney - the following year saw Wright reach his first televised semi-final at the UK Open. He went on to reach the 2014 World Championship final, losing out to Michael van Gerwen but securing himself a spot in the Premier League and World Series of Darts, where he reached the final on his debut in Dubai.

The most colourful character on the circuit - with wife Jo, a hairdresser by trade, providing the painted hair to match his unique dress sense - Wright’s rise to third in the world included him being a finalist in back-to-back UK Opens and World Series of Darts Finals in 2015 & 2016 as well as in the PDC World Cup of Darts and a World Series event in Japan.

Wright began 2017 in style as he followed up an appearance in the World Championship semi-finals with three UK Open Qualifier wins, before going on to finally claim victory on the big stage with his triumph in the UK Open finals in Minehead, where he saw off Gerwyn Price in the final.

Three European Tour triumphs followed a treble of UK Open Qualifier victories, while Wright also claimed a Players Championship victory to consolidate his status as world number three in a brilliant start to 2017.

Wright went on to reach the Premier League Play-Offs for the first time in May 2017, finishing second in the final league table before defeating Taylor in the semi-finals, but he would pay for six missed match darts as Van Gerwen edged a thrilling final.

The Scottish ace claimed a European Tour title at the start of July 2017, before reaching the final of the World Matchplay later that month, only to lose out to Taylor in his last appearance on the Blackpool stage.

Wright picked up another European Tour win, followed by the German Darts Masters World Series crown, before going down to van Gerwen in the final of the Grand Slam of Darts in November 2017.

Having reached the final of the 2018 World Cup of Darts in June, Wright then won a first title of the year at Players Championship 14 in Wigan and then claimed his second World Series triumph at the Melbourne Darts Masters.

Wright backed up his Australian success with a third title of the year at Players Championship 17 in Barnsley in September and reached the World Grand Prix final for the first time the following month, losing out to Van Gerwen.

In the World Championship in December 2020 Wright survived a match dart at bullseye to win a sudden-death leg against Noel Malicdem in the second round, before beating Seigo Asada and Jeffrey de Zwaan, to reach the quarter-finals, where he triumphed 5–3 over Humphries to reach the semi-final for the first time since 2017 where he played Welshman Gerwyn Price winning through 6-3 in a bad tempered match.

In the final he again met Michael van Gerwen and won 7–3 in the final to become the 2020 World Darts Champion on January 1st.

In a season that was affected by the covid pandemic Wright piced up two of darts “majors” winning the Masters in February and  2020 Unibet European Championship in November, beating England’s James Wade 11-4 in the final. However  Wright had a poor showing at the Grand Slam failing to get through from the group stages, he later admitted it hit him hard and said “ I could have walked away from the sport quite easily.“ His form improved in his next event  with a run to the semi-finals of the Players Championship Finals  making him just the third player in history (after Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor) to exceed £1,000,000 on the order of merit.  Peter returned to defend his world title but Peter was eliminated in the third round after losing 4–3 to Gabriel Clemens who became the first ever German player to reach the fourth round. But Peter was back on top at this years  2022 PDC World Darts Championship on January 3rd, only the third Scot to win it twice, the otherd being, Gary Anderson and  Jocky Wilson, who will be featuring in a post later in the month.

Peter’s hair takes two hours to complete and is done by his hairdresser wife Joanne it’s inspired by their daughter. He equates his look to applying war paint before going into battle, as he is naturally shy away from the oche. 

[scotianostra]

Happy "Heavenly" Birthday John Thomas "Jocky" Wilson born on March 22nd 1950 in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

Because his mother could not cope with her many children, she had ten in total, he spent 14 years in a children's home on the grey North Sea in Elie; his brother Tom was abused while there, by the man who ran it , though all Jocky had to say about it was that he had won the pole-vault there.

Jocky’s jobs included a couple of years in the army, a coal delivery man, fish processor, and also a miner at Kirkcaldy's Seafield Colliery. He also worked for a time at the Lister Bar, the local where a 19-year-old Wilson first learned to play darts, he never thought when throwing those first arrows that he would ever become the champion of the world and a Scottish legend.

He qualified for all Embassy World Championship finals from 1979 to 1993, reaching the semi-finals on five occasions (1982, 1983, 1984, 1987 and 1989). He reached the finals twice and one both occasions won the title, in 1982 against John Lowe (5 sets to 3) and in 1989 against Eric Bristow (6 sets to 4). His first Embassy win in 1982 made him the first Scotsman to win the World title) and transformed his life. His annual earnings rose to an estimated £60,000 and he moved his family out of Collyer Road and into a spacious bungalow a short distance away, unfortunately he  filled the garden with his empties until the neighbours asked him to move, he wasn’t comfortable living in a posh area anyway.

More than £1,000 of his world-champ earnings went on a pair of false teeth, but he never got on with them, and would take them out publicly to play. He bought a fishing boat in which he would escape, disguised in a bobble hat, out into the Firth of Forth, but had to sell it, and ran up tax bills he never expected. 

Wilson once explained that he needed to drink before playing because it was the only way he could steady his nerves.

The amount Wilson could drink and still win has become the stuff of legend in the annals of dart history with rival players recalling that he’s routinely drink 10 pints of beer and 8 shots of vodka before every game.

As you can probably imagine, people at home loved Wilson with his antics routinely drawing millions of viewers in the televised tournaments he took part in, Jocky was a man that working class Scots could relate to.  He was known for his impressively unhealthy lifestyle, eating nothing but fast food and sweets almost his entire life. Wilson’s love of sugary snacks famously cost him his teeth, it didn’t help that he didn’t he refused to brush them his entire life, allegedly because his grandmother told him that the English poisoned the water when he was a bairn.

Wilson’s  drinking meant he would often mean trouble for the talented Scotsman. On one occasion he was banned for a year by the governing body of the sport.  

Heavy drinking and smoking, the onset of diabetes and arthritis and bouts of depression plus a large unpaid tax bill, led Wilson to retire from darts in 1996 becoming more or less a recluse. In a rare interview at that time he told a reporter that same year that although he had been let down once or twice, he did not want anyone feeling sorry for him, blaming only himself for the situation he was in.

He played his last match, like his first, at Butlin's, and ended his days on benefit in a tiny council flat, much as he had started.

His popularity also went beyond the sporting arena, notably when Wilson famously saw his picture displayed on 'Top of the Pops' in 1982 during a performance by Dexy's Midnight Runners of their single Jackie Wilson Said.

In 2009 the PDC tried to coax Jocky out of retirement to make a personal appearance in the England v Scotland match named ‘The Jocky Wilson Cup’. Although Jocky agreed that the tournament could bear his name he declined the invitation to attend. However, he did agree to record a special audio message for the crowd gathered at the Braehead Arena, Glasgow. He said, “Hi, this is Jocky. Sorry I can’t be with you tonight. Hope you are all having a great evening. Please give all the players the respect they deserve” finally adding “COME ON SCOTLAND!”  This would be the last time Jocky’s voice would be heard in public.

When darts fans thought of Jocky, what they remembered was his smile: huge, toothless and ecstatic, with his pudgy arms raised in victory on either side. It was the smile of a man who has triumphed over considerable odds; and also the smile of a Scot who has just thumped an Englishman.

Jocky Wilson died two days after his 62nd birthday at the home he shared with his Argentinian wife Malvina. They had three children. I doubt any player will ever be loved as much as the wee guy fae Kirkcaldy

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[higherentity]

[muenchnerdartcenter]

Danny Noppert: Rising to the Occasion in the World of Darts

Danny Noppert, a professional dart player from the Netherlands, has made significant waves in the world of darts with his exceptional skills and steady rise through the ranks.

Noppert's career began to gain traction in the international darts scene around 2015. Known for his calm demeanor and precise throwing technique, he quickly established himself as a formidable opponent. His breakthrough moment came when he reached the final of the BDO World Darts Championship in 2017. Although he didn't clinch the title, his performance there marked him as a player to watch.

One of Noppert's most notable strengths is his ability to perform under pressure. This was evident when he won the 2019 Players Championship Finals, a victory that not only showcased his skill but also his mental toughness. His ability to remain composed, even in high-stress situations, is a key factor that differentiates him from many of his contemporaries.

In addition to his mental strength, Noppert's technical proficiency is noteworthy. His style is characterized by a consistent throwing rhythm and an ability to hit high scores with remarkable regularity. This consistency has helped him in clinching victories in various tournaments and has earned him respect among both fans and fellow players.

Off the oche, Noppert is known for his quiet and humble personality. His down-to-earth nature, combined with his skill on the dartboard, makes him a relatable and admired figure in the sport. This demeanor has not only won him fans but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring dart players who look up to him.

As his career progresses, Danny Noppert continues to be a significant player in professional darts. With his blend of skill, consistency, and level-headedness, he is poised to make more impactful contributions to the sport.

[muenchnerdartcenter]

Rob Cross: The Electrician Who Lit Up the Darting World

Rob Cross's meteoric rise in the competitive darting arena is a story of resilience, skill, and an unyielding commitment to the sport. Born on September 21, 1990, in Hastings, England, Rob Cross's journey from an electrician to a world champion is a tale that inspires and surprises many within and beyond the darts community.

Cross's love for darts began at a young age, but it wasn't until 2016 that he decided to turn professional, changing the trajectory of his life forever. Within a short period, he transitioned from playing in local leagues and working a day job to competing amongst the elite on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) circuit.

His breakout year was 2017 when he earned the nickname "Voltage" for his electrifying performances. Rob Cross made headlines around the globe when he won the PDC World Darts Championship in 2018, just a year after turning professional. This astounding victory against the legendary Phil Taylor in the final remains a highlight of his career and a defining moment in darts history.

Cross's playing style is meticulous and steady. He possesses precision and a calm demeanor that serves him well under the high-pressure conditions of top-tier tournaments. His technique is a combination of controlled rhythm and exacting aim, enabling him to execute clinical finishes and spectacular checkouts.

Following his world championship win, Cross continued to prove his worth by securing several other titles, which established him as a formidable force on the PDC tour. His consistency and unflappable nature make him a favorite among fans and a respected opponent among his peers.

Off the oche, Cross is known for his down-to-earth personality and his dedication to his family. His transformation from an everyday job to world champion embodies the dream that hard work and talent can lead one to greatness, even in the most unanticipated ways.

Rob Cross's impact on the sport of darts goes beyond his titles and the legions of fans he has won over. He has shown that the path to success is not linear and that with enough belief and passion, anyone can change the game.

[muenchnerdartcenter]

Nathan Aspinall: The Rising Star of Darts

In the competitive sphere of professional darts, there are names that resonate worldwide, making hearts race with anticipation. Among the galaxy of such performers, Nathan Aspinall stands out as a burgeoning star, having swiftly risen through ranks to become a key figure in the sport.

Born in Stockport, England, Aspinall displayed a liking for darts at an early age. His passion for the game steadily turned into a serious commitment, and in no time, he embarked on the journey to professional success. Today, Aspinall has transformed into a force to be reckoned with, frightening even the most seasoned dart veterans with his remarkable skill and precision.

Aspinall's formal initiation onto the world stage came in 2015 when he acquired his Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Tour Card. A relatively unknown figure at the time, Aspinall signaled his arrival with earnest ambition and focused determination. However, his true breakthrough came in 2019 when he stunningly progressed to the semi-finals of the PDC World Championship. This deep run in the tournament from an unseeded position was truly a testimony to his ethos of hard work and his unflagging commitment to self-improvement.

Perhaps one of Aspinall's defining moments in his career thus far was in 2019 when he won UK Open Championship. This victory catapulted him into the league of elite dart players and proved that his performance in the 2019 PDC World Championship was not a fluke. Known for his aggressive style, Aspinall demonstrated impeccable skill and extraordinary grace under pressure, outperforming seasoned adversaries, and emerging as the triumphant contender.

Aspinall, affectionately known as "The Asp," demonstrates a unique combination of cool temperament and aggressive on-stage demeanor, defying the adversarial conditions of high-stakes dart matches. His signature style, coupled with his speed and accuracy make him a compelling competitor in the riveting universe of professional darts.

Off-stage, Aspinall is also renowned for his humility and sportsmanship. He consistently credits his successes to a robust support network, encompassing family, friends, and a growing fan base. Aspinall’s remarkable journey, from a relative unknown to a promise of glittering success, is a testament to the enduring potential of dedication, optimism, and razor-sharp focus.

Looking ahead, the future seems extraordinarily bright for this young dart maverick. As Aspinall continues to make his mark in the darting world, his success sends an inspiring message to aspiring darts players everywhere - with passion, talent, and an unwavering will, anything is possible.