The 2015 William Hill World Darts Championship will be held across 20 sessions in 14 days of play at London’s Alexandra Palace over the festive period, as players from 21 countries compete to lay claim to the Sid Wadell Trophy. It’s going to be a cracker of a competition, so here’s a list of some top names and characters that you should keep an eye on…
One to Watch: Dave Chisnall.
Chisnall has risen through the ranks with highlights including a run to the World Grand Prix final, a European Tour win and two Players Championship victories. No more ‘boy in the corner’ routine this year as Chisnall will be looking to ‘fix up and look sharp’ while ruffling the feathers of his more experienced peers.
Nickname: Chizzy Rascal; Current world ranking: 8; Walk on music: Dizzy by Vic Reeves and the Wonderstuff.
International Superstar: Michael van Gerwen.
With his distinctive look and free flowing throwing action reigning champion van Gerwen currently has a stranglehold over the darts world. Going from world number 38 at the start of 2012 to number 4 at the beginning of 2013, the year included his first major PDC title at the Grand Prix and a final at the 2013 World Championship. Last year he became the youngest winner of the PDC World Champs at the tender age of 24. The one to beat.
Nickname: Mighty Mike; Current world ranking: 1; Walk on music: Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes.
Old Master: Phil Taylor
Taylor is the governor of world darts and has amassed 80 major titles and a record 16 World Championships. A popular champion, famous for his nine-dart finishes, Taylor has helped push the sport of darts into the wider realm. He even finished runner-up to jump jockey Tony McCoy in the 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Nickname: The Power; Current world ranking: 2; Walk on music: The Power by Snap!
Best Haircut: Peter Wright
Proof that the game of darts has entered the world of show business comes in the form of one and only Peter Wright. Not content with just throwing arrows the Scot likes to stand out from the crowd with his outrageous hairstyles that some say closely resemble a cockatoo that’s been let loose in a paint factory. Whether complementing his Mohawk cut with a touch of paint and braided extensions, Wright’s look may be distracting for his opponents but the crowds love it.
Nickname: Snakebite; Current world ranking: 5; Walk on music: Don’t Stop the Party by Pitbull.
Bearded Wonder: Simon Whitlock
Antipodean master of the arrows Whitlock is fast on his way to becoming the UK’s most recognisable Australian. He’s so Australian it wouldn’t surprise me if he eats bush tucker for lunch and calls all the girls Sheila! Previously No.3 in the world rankings, Whitlock has taken advantage of his incredible hairiness to put together a look that combines a hint of Wild Bill Hickok with Crocodile Dundee. Superb!
Nickname: The Wizard; Current world ranking: 7; Walk on music: Down Under by Men at Work.
Fans Fave: Raymond van Barneveld
Former postman and darting legend van Barneveld’s 15 major titles have played a huge influence in turning the sport of darts into a popular pastime in his native Holland. Held in high esteem by the UK darts fraternity, van Barneveld’s choice of walk-on music illustrates his populist instincts. While he would struggle to run up the steps of The Philadelphia Museum of Art like Rocky did, Survivor’s ‘Eye of the Tiger’ sends a tingle down the spine and rouses an elemental fervour everytime it’s played.
Nickname: Barney; World Ranking: 14; Walk on music: Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
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