'No need for Olympic darts...demand for our tickets is like Glastonbury'
Evening Standard|August 28, 2024
FEW knew it at the time, but January 2007 was a seismic month for darts.
Matt Verri
'No need for Olympic darts...demand for our tickets is like Glastonbury'

Luke Littler was born and soon taking aim at a magnetic board, just a few weeks after what proved to be the final World Darts Championship staged at The Circus Tavern.

The tournament moved from the Essex nightclub to the Alexandra Palace a year later, kick-starting its transformation into one of the most popular stops on the sporting roadshow.

Matt Porter, chief executive of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), has helped shape much of that change, from the modest starting point he remembers in 2004.

"We had one event outside the UK, which was Las Vegas, and effectively for Brits to go on holiday and watch the darts," says Porter.

Passports are now essential. Littler has played in New Zealand, Australia and America in the past few months alone. It is no surprise that players are eyeing further opportunities, especially after events in Paris this summer.

One particular breakdancing routine was enough for Michael Smith to ask on social media why darts is not an Olympic sport.

"I can see why, from a player's perspective, the prospect of winning a gold medal would be extremely appealing." says Porter.

Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin August 28, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin August 28, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

EVENING STANDARD DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Vamos Rafa! It's time to go for Spain's brave warrior
The London Standard

Vamos Rafa! It's time to go for Spain's brave warrior

'Shy and funny' Nadal bows out as sport's ultimate competitor

time-read
2 dak  |
November 21, 2024
Does Angeball have a winning future at Spurs?
The London Standard

Does Angeball have a winning future at Spurs?

Head coach divides supporters with his ultra-attacking tactics

time-read
5 dak  |
November 21, 2024
The £5bn-a-year tax timebomb that's set to devastate London hospitality
The London Standard

The £5bn-a-year tax timebomb that's set to devastate London hospitality

The capital will bear the brunt of Rachel Reeves’s National Insurance raid

time-read
4 dak  |
November 21, 2024
Live like a Queen...
The London Standard

Live like a Queen...

...in the house gifted to Anne of Cleves by Henry VIII in 1540 and now onsale for 3.75 million

time-read
3 dak  |
November 21, 2024
At home with...Matthew Williamson
The London Standard

At home with...Matthew Williamson

The designer’s Belsize Park flatis a grand canvas for his ever-changing colour palette

time-read
5 dak  |
November 21, 2024
Hidden London
The London Standard

Hidden London

The first time I made my way to Maison Assouline was with a broken foot, in a tragic boot and crutches.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 21, 2024
Jameela Jamil on why New York will always have her heart...
The London Standard

Jameela Jamil on why New York will always have her heart...

..and her stomach. The actor and activist shares her favourite brunch spot, a secret bar and her brownstone fantasies

time-read
6 dak  |
November 21, 2024
The London Standard

My life in bespoke suits

Back in the Eighties, suits were so wide that even the shoulder pads had shoulder pads. Suits back then were boxy, square, and designed to make you look like a quarterback, a bouncer or a tank.

time-read
4 dak  |
November 21, 2024
Cher's wild world
The London Standard

Cher's wild world

The singer's memoir is full of jaw-dropping tales

time-read
4 dak  |
November 21, 2024
'I was told I could stay in the UKthen kicked out of my asylum accommodation'
The London Standard

'I was told I could stay in the UKthen kicked out of my asylum accommodation'

As our appeal hits 1m, we turn the spotlight on an official policy that’s making newly recognised refugees homeless

time-read
7 dak  |
November 21, 2024