DARTS DUO FACE MATCH FIX CHARGES
TWO top darts stars have been suspended over match-fixing charges.
Kyle McKinstry and Wessel Nijman were charged after suspicious betting patterns in ‘Night At The Darts’ series matches in April and May.
The Darts Regulation Authority launched a probe which resulted in Northern Irishman McKinstry being charged over a 5-0 defeat by Dave Evans on April 30 and a clash with Nijman.
The Dutchman faces one charge of fixing a match, when he lost 4-0 to Evans on May 14.
There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Evans but Nijman, 20, has admitted his guilt and is fully co-operating with the authorities.
McKinstry, who qualified for the last two BDO World Championships, has appealed the suspension.
PDC Development Tour regular Nijman made a public apology as he awaits his sentence.
He said: “I would like to place on public record my sincere regret and apology for the mistake I made in relation to betting and match-fixing.
“I was put under some pressure to lose a match and agreed to do this.
“I have admitted the offence and take full responsibility for it and will accept my punishment.
“I should have spoken to my management, the Professional Darts Players’ Association, DRA or police and I’d advise any player who finds themselves in a similar position to do that.
“It was a one-off error of
BY HECTOR NUNNS judgement which I want to put behind me and do all I can to put right.
“My actions are a personal mistake made by me and not a reflection on the sport of darts.
“I want to rebuild my career and reputation and am committed to helping to educate others so that this kind of offence can be prevented.”
The PDPA were dismayed but vowed to help the players.
A PDPA statement read: “The PDPA is disheartened to learn that two of our members have been referred to the DRA Disciplinary Committee for formal hearings for breaches of integrity rules in relation to betting and match-fixing.
“This is a serious matter and it is right and just that any player in breach of these rules is punished accordingly.
“As McKinstry had indicated his intention to appeal this decision, the PDPA is unable to comment further on his ongoing case at this time.
“Nijman has accepted the charges, admitted the offence, expressed his regret and is fully cooperating with the DRA.
“While the PDPA as an organisation condemns his actions, we recognise his admission of guilt, remorse, willingness to cooperate and have provided him with support, guidance, education and assistance.
“The same support remains available to McKinstry.”
HINAKO SHIBUNO wants to take charge of Royal Troon having spent a day as police chief during her spell as AIG Women’s Open champion.
The Japanese star rocketed to fame 12 months ago with her sensational Major success at Woburn.
Shibuno, 21, had never played outside of her homeland before winning the big one and she became an instant personality after the incredible triumph.
The 21-year-old had her face plastered across billboards and non-sporting magazines after being mobbed upon her return.
She even served as honorary boss of the cops for 24 hours in her local city of Okayama after receiving a letter of commission from the chief police officer.
Shibuno said: “Winning the tournament was life-changing and I became like a celebrity in Japan. Seeing so many people at
BY CRAIG SWAN the airport when I returned was something I had only seen on TV before. It gave me goosebumps and made me happy.
“When I saw myself in newspapers and magazines, it didn’t feel real. It felt like it was someone else.
“What was more difficult with winning is I set higher expectations onto myself and found it difficult to cope with the realities of what I’d set.
“I’ve had a lot of experiences since but nothing that tops the experience of winning The Women’s Open.”
Dubbed the Smiling Cinderella due to her cheerful on-course demeanour, Shibuno now wants to have control over an elite field in Ayrshire just as she did last year at Woburn.
However, she knows it’ll be tough to keep laughing. Making her first visit to this country for last week’s Scottish Open, she missed the cut after a disastrous two rounds of The Renaissance.
Shibuno wants to lose the high scores and feels confident having watched Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson’s last-day Open shootout on the Ayrshire track four years ago.
She said: “I have always been conscious of keeping a smile on my face when I play. After winning at Woburn, it reminded me of the importance of that. This week is going to be windy with rain expected.
“I’m going to have to be smart but as the defending champion, I want to enjoy it and show new parts of my game.
“This is my first time in Scotland and you