5 of the Greatest Darts Matches in History
Darts can be traced back to the late 1800s and the game we love today is believed to have been invented by the French, they produced a game with a mini wooden board based on and bow and arrow target and used three wooden darts known as Fléchettes (mini darts) to throw at it. The nearer the centre the large the score. Although Brian Gamlin is credited in some quarters as devising the modern dartboard number system seen today, this cannot be proven as not trace via UK census can find him. The numbers were more likely created by William Buckle a wire worker and maker of dartboards.
From the public house to the TV the top players can earn millions playing on the professional circuit in what has become a highly enjoyable sport to watch. Continue below as we look at 5 of the greatest darts matches in history.
Phil Taylor vs Raymond van Barneveld
This was the 2007 PDC World Championship final and Phil Taylor came into the match as the favourite having won the previous three World Championship finals. Barneveld on the other hand was playing in his first PDC World Championship having made the switch from the BDO. Barneveld found himself 3-0 down in sets and looked down and out but the Dutchman did not give up. Having recorded the first 170 checkout of the tournament, he levelled the score at 6-6 and after a frther bullying off to determine who would through first, Barneveld won the honour and won the deciding leg by hitting double top. Both players ended with an average of over 100, which highlights the quality of the match.
Gary Anderson vs Mensur Suljović
Gary Anderson was regarded as one of the top contenders for the title going into the 2018 World Matchplay final, a tournament he had yet to win. Mensur Suljović, known for his unique throwing style, made it through the final but the Austrian found himself 14-10 and then 17-13 down. Anderson had struggled against Suljović in the past and the Austrian mounted a tremendous comeback to take the final into extra legs. To add to the drama, Anderson saw a match winning dart fall out of the bullseye, but the Scot did not let that deter him as he went on to win 21-19.
Adrian Lewis vs Phil Taylor
In terms of pure quality from both players, it does not come much better than the 2013 Grand Slam of Darts semi-final between Adrian Lewis and Phil Taylor. The Power started the match with a maximum and went on to win the game 16-9 but it was the consistent scoring from both players that made this one of the greatest darts matches in history. In the 25 legs, there were 32 maximums thrown and Taylor finished with an average of 109.46, while Lewis averaged a staggering 110.99. ‘Jackpot’ Adrian Lewis could not believe he had played so well yet ended up losing the match. Lewis earned the nickname ‘Jackpot’ by doing what anyone would hope to do while playing casino games such as live roulette online - he won big on slots at a Las Vegas casino but was too young to play in the USA and couldn’t collect the reward.
Fallon Sherrock vs Ted Evetts
In December 2019, history was made when Fallon Sherrock became the first woman ever to win a PDC World Darts Championship, overcoming Ted Evetts in round one of the competition despite being only one of five women to ever compete in the tournament. Played at the Alexandra Palace Sherrock earned the nickname ‘Queen of the Palace’ as she went on to cause another shock by beating Mensur Suljovic in the second round.
Phil Taylor vs Eric Bristow
This 1997 PDC World Championship semi-final saw the passing of the baton from Eric Bristow to Phil Taylor. Bristow was 4-3 down in sets and produced a tremendous 141 finish with Taylor sitting on double four to win the match. Bristow turned and gave a few choice words to Taylor as the crowd exploded. A deciding set was required, and Taylor eventually wore down Bristow to progress to the final and continue what was to become an era of dominance.