Unforgettable Moments in Darts History

Darts has grown from a casual pub game into a highly competitive sport, producing many memorable moments along the way.

These events have not only held the attention of fans but have also helped shape the sport’s history and popularity. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic matches and performances in darts.

The First Televised Nine-Darter

In the world of darts, few feats carry as much weight as the nine-dart finish. Completing a leg in just nine darts is the absolute peak of precision, requiring not only incredible skill but also unshakable focus under pressure.

On October 13, 1984, John Lowe made history by achieving the first televised nine-dart finish during the MFI World Matchplay. This wasn’t just another win or a regular high-scoring leg, it was a defining moment for the sport.

The 2018 Premier League Final

The 2018 Premier League final brought together two of the biggest names in darts, Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith.

While the 11-4 scoreline may suggest an easy win for van Gerwen, the match itself was anything but ordinary.

What made this final stand out was the sheer quality of the game. It was a highly followed match on multiple streaming platforms like Amazon Prime and Sky Sports, giving the fans the opportunity to tune in.

Additionally, this final also attracted significant interest from betting fans, with many turning their attention to the darts betting odds. These odds offered a new type of insight into how experts viewed each player’s chances, reflecting the high stakes and tension leading up to the match.

Michael van Gerwen's Breakthrough

Michael van Gerwen’s career hit a turning point in the 2013 World Grand Prix quarter-finals against Adrian Lewis, the defending champion of the last two editions of the tournament.

With this, he ended Lewis' 15 match unbeaten run at the World Championship.

Further in the sets of the 2013 PDC World Darts Championship final, c maintained an average between 105 and 108, showcasing his high-level performance and improvement.

His performance later on was a display of focus and adaptability, as he adjusted his game to outplay his opponents in the later stages.

This victory not only gave him the title but also marked the start of his rise as one of the top players in darts, proving he could deliver under immense pressure.

Phil Taylor’s Unparalleled Dominance

Phil Taylor, known as "The Power," is widely regarded as the greatest darts player in the history of the sport. His record of winning 16 World Championship titles is unmatched and remains a defining achievement in professional darts.

One of the biggest moments in his career came during the 2010 World Championship final against Simon Whitlock.

He controlled the match from start to finish, winning 7-3 and maintaining an average score of over 104 per throw.

This level of consistency was what separated Taylor from the rest of the competition. While many players could produce moments of brilliance, Taylor had the ability to sustain that brilliance across entire matches and tournaments.

Raymond van Barneveld’s Career-Defining Triumph

Raymond van Barneveld’s win in the 2007 PDC World Championship final against Phil Taylor is remembered as one of the most intense matches in darts history. The game was a showdown between two of the sport’s greatest players, with Taylor considered the overwhelming favorite.

Van Barneveld, however, stayed focused and matched Taylor dart for dart throughout the contest. The match came down to a sudden-death leg after both players won six sets each.

In the deciding moments, van Barneveld stayed calm under pressure and hit the winning throws to secure the title.

It was a significant achievement, as it ended Taylor’s dominance in World Championship finals. This victory elevated van Barneveld to legendary status in darts and remains one of the most talked-about moments in the sport.

(Disclaimer: Devdiscourse's journalists were not involved in the production of this article. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Devdiscourse and Devdiscourse does not claim any responsibility for the same.)