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Irish Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ireland's darts teams take aim for Six Nations glory
As we know from others sports, Ireland's close ties and proximity to the UK can be a help as well as a hindrance. It's certainly the case in darts, where our top players have easy access to the big tournaments in the UK, but are pretty much now swallowed up by that system. It's why Irish players looking to gain a tour card on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC ) circuit - and a chance to rub shoulders with the big boys - must do so through the UK qualifiers. Yet the rest of our EU counterparts get to play their own PDC Q School qualifiers in Germany. As Cork's former World Masters champion John O'Shea recently pointed out, Ireland's darts players are much a part of the EU as those from Germany, Holland or Poland. O'Shea also reckons this is why Ireland gets overlooked by the PDC when they put together their increasingly popular World Series of Darts fixtures each year. The World Series sees the top eight players in the PDC, including the likes of Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen, take on the top eight players in Asia and Europe in front of huge crowds in places like Bahrain, Vegas and Copenhagen. O'Shea believes there is no doubt it would be an automatic sell-out here if the PDC brought their best eight players to take on Ireland's best eight in front of an Irish crowd. Five players who would certainly be in contention for that Irish eight would be WDF World Champion Shane McGuirk of Monaghan, Stephen Rosney of Offaly, Waterford's Dean Finn and Paddy Quinn and Donegal's Gerard McGlynn. Add in the serial winners Robyn Byrne and Katie Sheldon of Dublin and Donegal's Denise Cassidy and you would have an eight there that would give the PDC boys a good run for their money! All eight will get the chance to prove their worth this weekend when they compete for the Republic of Ireland men's and ladies teams at the Six Nations in Wales, against teams from the host country, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Netherlands. Success is never far off for Irish players at these tournaments, with McGlynn the reigning Six Nations singles champion, while Robyn Byrne is the current Europe Cup singles champion. It's been a great week for darts on this island as it is, with the Northern Ireland pair of Daryl Gurney and Josh Rock winning the PDC World Cup of Darts last Sunday night. The outpouring of emotion from the two was a sight to behold and just shows how much it means to them. Derry man Gurney is a class player and PDC major winner in his own right, but young Antrim man Rock really is something special. It surely won't be long before we see him in the PDC Premier League. And while PDC supremo, Barry Hearn, is at it, he really should think about Ireland for a future World Series of Darts event.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Luke Littler ‘can't pass his driving test' as darts ace eyes buying hot hatchback after being driven around in a van
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DARTS sensation Luke Littler has hit a roadblock in his incredible success story - as he "can't pass" his driving theory test. The arrows ace has had an unbelievable 18 months since first bursting onto the sporting scene with him becoming the youngest ever world champion and bagging an MBE. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Luke Littler has hit a roadblock in his incredible success story - as he 'can't pass' his driving theory test Credit: Getty 5 Despite being the reigning world champion and pulling out constant record breaking performances at the oche Luke hasn't quite been able to get to grips with driving yet Credit: PA 5 Luke was teased about his theory test by close friend AngryGinge when the pair appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox last week Credit: Channel4 The teenage wonderkid stunned the world when he was crowned the best darts player on the planet at just 17 years old in January. Luke, now 18, has gone on to win two World Series of Darts titles, 13 PDC titles and five major titles, as well as being crowned the youngest player to hit a televised nine-dart finish. His impressive accolades and lucrative sponsorship deals have even propelled him to a net worth of over £2million and helped him become one of the nation's most-loved sportsmen. But he's been lovingly mocked by his pal Morgan Burtwistle, better known as streamer AngryGinge, in recent days about the one thing Luke can't quite get to grips with. AngryGinge - the stand out celebrity in Soccer Aid last weekend - mocked Luke about not being able to pass his driving theory on national TV. The pair made their debut appearance on Celebrity Gogglebox on Friday night, when Luke's YouTube mate quizzed him on his overflowing trophy cabinet. Pointing to the impressive accolades sitting on a shelf next to the sofa, AngryGinge asks him: 'What have we got behind us here, Luke?' He laughs before correcting himself, adding: 'What haven't we got?' Smirking, Luke acknowledges his awards, including his incredible achievement in May when he became the first person to win five Premier League nights in the same year. The Nuke's even managed to sweep up a sixth triumph which took him past his own tally of nightly wins from last year, where he won a maiden title. Luke Littler's journey from 13-year-old darts prodigy to 17-year-old world champion as he turns 18 Laughing, AngryGinge goes on: 'You get a bonus as well don't you? We can all do the maths, Luke. You're doing alright.' But then he lovingly mocks: 'You can do all this, but you can't pass your driving theory.' Luke, who laughs in response, previously revealed when he turned 17 that driving lessons were first on his agenda. But it appears he's been unable to hit the roads ever since as he continues to stall over his theory test. Following his show-stopping display at Alexandra Palace in January, Luke, of Warrington, Cheshire, said he was desperate to get behind the wheel. He revealed that his dream car is a modest Mercedes A-Class - a step up from his previous favourite Ford Focus - and he was eyeing one up with his £500,000 winnings. But the sportsman was initially forced to cancel his driving lessons due to burnout fears regarding his busy schedule. He had more bad luck when vandals trashed his van in May during an exhibition appearance in Norwich. Luke, who owns the vehicle and is driven around by his team, branded the thugs 'scum of the earth'. His representative has been contacted for comment. 5 Luke and AngryGinge have been close friends for some time with the YouTube star often appearing at Luke's darts matches Credit: Reuters
The Irish Sun
08-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘What a feeling' – Topless Steve Bunting copies Luke Littler as he sleeps with Nordic Darts Masters Trophy
STEPHEN BUNTING is going global as he tries to prove his Premier League flop was a one-off. The Bullet, 40, picked up a second World Series of Darts title this year on Saturday night as he beat Rob Cross 8-4 in the final in Copenhagen. 2 Stephen Bunting won the Nordic Darts Masters on Saturday in Copenhagen Credit: PA 2 The 40-year-old took his trophy to his hotel room after beating Rob Cross in the final Credit: X The 40-year-old He wrote on X: "Good morning Copenhagen! What a great feeling waking up along side this beauty." Bunting's performances were a contrast to the misery he had endured during the 17-week Prem where he READ MORE ON DARTS Finishing bottom of the eight-man table would have rocked the confidence of lesser men. But the St Helens thrower – whose Trips to New York, Poland, Australia and New Zealand this summer could consolidate his position at the top of the rankings for this invitational series. He said: "Listen, in the Premier League, you're playing the best players in the world. Most read in Darts BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "For whatever reason, it just didn't happen for me. I said to my management and family, I won't lose heart. I still believe. "I put in some really good performances. Unfortunately it wasn't to be. Premier League Darts star Stephen Bunting 'moonlighting as Rangers steward' as incredible Ibrox doppelganger spotted "It was a long time since I had been in the Premier League, 10 years in fact, and it was like going back to a new school this year. I was proud of myself towards the end. "I have shown how good I can be, especially on the World Series. "I believe I am consistent. My doubles have let me down in the last two months. "Sometimes I have to pinch myself. I know how good I can be. It's dog-eat-dog out there. I'm glad to be up there in the rankings. "These aren't ranked tournaments. I will take these wins. It's all about gaining confidence, it's like a snowball effect. "Hopefully this can rub off in the likes of the World Matchplay and other ProTours. I am looking forward to the rest of the season. "When I went out in the arena, I saw the scarves, the shirts, the 'Bunting Mental' hats and cheers and chants. "It was a great venue. The crowd rooted for me and got me through my games."
Scottish Sun
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘What a feeling' – Topless Steve Bunting copies Luke Littler as he sleeps with Nordic Darts Masters Trophy
Bunting is preparing for trips to New York, Poland, Australia and New Zealand TREBLE BED 'What a feeling' – Topless Steve Bunting copies Luke Littler as he sleeps with Nordic Darts Masters Trophy Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STEPHEN BUNTING is going global as he tries to prove his Premier League flop was a one-off. The Bullet, 40, picked up a second World Series of Darts title this year on Saturday night as he beat Rob Cross 8-4 in the final in Copenhagen. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Stephen Bunting won the Nordic Darts Masters on Saturday in Copenhagen Credit: PA 2 The 40-year-old took his trophy to his hotel room after beating Rob Cross in the final Credit: X Bunting, ranked fourth in the world, slept with the Nordic Darts Masters trophy in his hotel room before catching a flight home to the UK. The 40-year-old channelled his inner-Lionel Messi as he posted a cheeky topless snap of him cuddling up with the gong - just like rival Luke Littler. He wrote on X: "Good morning Copenhagen! What a great feeling waking up along side this beauty." Bunting's performances were a contrast to the misery he had endured during the 17-week Prem where he suffered 12 first-round losses. READ MORE ON DARTS PRICED OUT Gerwyn Price announces plan for retirement as he faces 'more' demands on tour Finishing bottom of the eight-man table would have rocked the confidence of lesser men. But the St Helens thrower – whose 'Bunting Mental' shtick is growing around the world – has always believed he can cope with the elite in knockout events. Trips to New York, Poland, Australia and New Zealand this summer could consolidate his position at the top of the rankings for this invitational series. He said: "Listen, in the Premier League, you're playing the best players in the world. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "For whatever reason, it just didn't happen for me. I said to my management and family, I won't lose heart. I still believe. "I put in some really good performances. Unfortunately it wasn't to be. Premier League Darts star Stephen Bunting 'moonlighting as Rangers steward' as incredible Ibrox doppelganger spotted "It was a long time since I had been in the Premier League, 10 years in fact, and it was like going back to a new school this year. I was proud of myself towards the end. "I have shown how good I can be, especially on the World Series. "I believe I am consistent. My doubles have let me down in the last two months. "Sometimes I have to pinch myself. I know how good I can be. It's dog-eat-dog out there. I'm glad to be up there in the rankings. "These aren't ranked tournaments. I will take these wins. It's all about gaining confidence, it's like a snowball effect. "Hopefully this can rub off in the likes of the World Matchplay and other ProTours. I am looking forward to the rest of the season. "When I went out in the arena, I saw the scarves, the shirts, the 'Bunting Mental' hats and cheers and chants. "It was a great venue. The crowd rooted for me and got me through my games."
Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Darts set for huge shake up with free-to-air channel showing tournaments
Channel 5 looks to have usurped darts from ITV and they will become the sport's free-to-air home once the Players Championship in November comes to an end following nearly two decades of showing darts Darts is set for major changes when it comes to broadcasting with a number of tournaments to be shown on Channel 5. The sport will switch over from ITV when their deal ends after the Players Championship in November. ITV4 has shown the European Championship, World Series of Darts, Players Championship, UK Open and the Masters since 2008, but rivals Channel 5 are now close to securing the free-to-air broadcast rights for those tournaments. Matchroom run the PDC and they will take charge of production for all events that are not shown on Sky Sports. Matchroom are also going to select the new broadcast team with ITV staff - including presenters and commentators - no longer set to be present, reports The Sun. Matchroom chairman Barry Hearn said of the switch: 'We live in a numbers game. ITV4 has been fantastically successful for us in the numbers it's got. We need to be more encouraging to the younger market, which involves talking to them in the language that they understand and the medium that they understand. 'And that's why the world is becoming more digital. The future is more Netflix than free-to-air. It's going to involve a multiple number of broadcasters. Some free-to-air, some behind the pay model. People will be able to watch what they want to watch, the sports they want to watch, when they want to watch it and for a price they can afford. I find that really exciting.' It was announced back in February that Sky Sports would remain the home of darts in the UK and Ireland until 2030 amid talk of the sport's bosses looking to take it elsewhere and cash in on the hype, which has boomed since the arrival of Luke Littler. The five-year extension to the partnership means the collaboration between Sky and the PDC will extend to almost 40 years. Sky has been the long-term broadcast partner of the PDC since 1993 and has aided the sport's growth. Viewing reached new heights last year when a record audience of over 4.8m people opted to watch the 2024 World Darts Championship final when Luke Humphries beat a then 16-year-old Littler, who was making his presence known for the first time. A peak audience of 3.71m watched the two Lukes slug it out, which was the highest ever figure on Sky Sports for a non-football event. This year more strides have been taken with the sport in the midst of its weekly Premier League rounds. Hearn previously said: "For my mind, and I've got nothing against golf, but I want to see darts and snooker have bigger prize money than golf because I believe it's worth more money than golf in today's commercial world."
