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How Aussie darts is hitting the bullseye
AUSTRALIAN darts is in the strongest position it has ever been in, according to respected darts referee and caller Russ Bray.
Mr Bray, whose gravelly voice is known worldwide, 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.
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 the Gold Coast in January.
Bray, 60, will be in charge of the Pro Darts Showdown Series which will take place at the Gold Coast Events Centre in Bundall, as well as Brisbane, Townsville and Mackay.
The Essex native has been involved in darts since the late 1970s and has 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.
“Kyle Anderson winning his first TV tournament at the Auckland Masters was amazing,” he said.
“Simon’s been around, done that and got the kissme-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 darts 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 will be the headline act in Bundall with former world finalist runnerup Andy (The Hammer) Hamilton also making the long trip from the UK.
Cadby will miss out because he will be in England at the qualifying school for the PDC world tour.
Tickets for the Pro Darts Showdown, which is promoted by News Corp, are available from Ticketek with further details at www.prodartsshowdownseries.com.au