Not just making up numbers
AUSTRALIAN darts is in the strongest position it has ever been in, just ask respected darts referee and caller Russ Bray.
The man whose gravelly voice is known worldwide, for his shout of ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY, is predicting a boom period for darts Down Under.
Two Aussies, Simon Whitlock (13) and Kyle Anderson (25), are in the top 32 of the Professional Darts Corporation’s order of merit.
Others such as Corey Cadby (world youth champion) and Paul Nicholson are making waves at tournaments across the world, so now is the perfect time to cash in on the popularity of the sport.
It’s why some of the biggest names in the sport, including the world’s best known player Phil The Power Taylor, are heading to regional Queensland in January.
Bray, 60, will be in charge of the Pro Darts Showdown Series which will be heading for Brisbane, Gold Coast, Townsville and Mackay early in the new year.
The Essex native has been involved in darts since the late 1970s and been a big part of the Professional Darts Corporation since 1996.
He has seen players such as former world champion Tony David, Russell Stewart and Wayne Weening fly the flag for Australia in the past but reckons this current crop might just be the best yet, with darts now becoming a legitimate way for young Aussies to make a good living.
“Kyle Anderson winning his first TV tournament at the Auckland Masters was amazing,” he said.
“Simon’s been around, done that and got the kiss-me-quick hat.
“They are the guys that can lead the way for the likes of Corey Cadby.
“Corey is probably the next sensation out of Australia and even in world darts at the moment.
“The kid’s got a great attitude, he’s a great dart player and long may it continue.
“With him being so young (21), the youngsters in the game in Australia can follow him.
“Then Corey will be pushing it for the next generation because they will say ‘if he can make a great living at darts then so can I’.”
DartsPlayers Australia’s aggressive expansion is part of the reason for the rise in popularity Down Under, backed by fans making a night at the darts one of the most entertaining spectacles going.
Sixteen-time world champion Phil Taylor is the headline act with former world finalist runner-up Andy (The Hammer) Hamilton also making the long trip from the UK.
Cadby will not be at the events as he in England at the qualifying school for the PDC world tour.
They will take on Australian qualifiers over two nights at venues across Queensland starting in Brisbane on January 10-11.
The Brisbane venue is the RNA Convention Centre, before the showdown roadshow rumbles on to the Gold Coast Events Centre at the Gold Coast Turf Club on January 17-18.
Next the showdown will move to Townsville Stadium on January 24-25 before finishing off at the Mackay Entertainment Centre on January 27-28.
Event promoter News Corp is delighted to have secured such top darting talent to the Pro Darts Showdown and Director events and custom media Mark Algie says tickets are selling well.
Tickets are available at Ticketek and for more information visit prodartsshow downseries.com.au.