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EXCLUSIVE: 'I watched my heroes at the World Matchplay then I hit a nine-darter on the same stage'

Former Premier League Darts star Wes Newton has opened up on his experiences at the World Matchplay, including hitting a nine-darter at the iconic venue

[Wes Newton was one of the best players in the world and hit a nine-darter on the World Matchplay stage]

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Wes Newton was one of the best players in the world and hit a nine-darter on the World Matchplay stage(Image: Getty Images)

Wes Newton grew up watching his heroes on the World Matchplay stage and then he became one himself.

The Warrior achieved Winter Gardens immortality in 2012 when he landed a nine-darter against Justin Pipe. It came amidst a spell when Newton was accumulating a CV that would be the envy of most. The 46-year-old reached two major PDC finals in his time at the top, twice competed in the Premier League and reached the quarter-finals at Ally Pally on three occasions.

But for Newton, who was born in Blackpool, it was a dream come true to nail-darting perfection in front of his home crowd. I remember the game really well, he beams in an exclusive chat with Mirror Sport. I was playing well, and it was 5-5 going into the break. I should have been ahead.

I cant remember if Id missed doubles or Justin [Pipe] was taking out good shots. I just wanted to keep going. In that very next leg after the break, I hit the nine. For it to be my first one on TV was special, but to do it at Blackpool made it even better.

The Matchplay has always held a special place in Newtons heart and not just because he lives around the corner. I live in Fleetwood which is just down the road from Blackpool. Its my local tournament and my favourite one as a result.

I was at the Winter Gardens for years watching the likes of Bob Anderson and the rest, so to do it there was extra special for me. Newton started his nine-darter in typical fashion with a 180. But he was forced to switch downstairs after encountering a difficult line, leaving himself on 144.

[PURFLEET, ENGLAND - JANUARY 2: Bob Anderson of England celebrates his victory against Peter Manley of England during the Quarter Finals of the 2004 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship at Circus Tavern on January 2, 2004 in Purfleet, England.]

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Newton used to watch the likes of Bob Anderson on the World Matchplay stage(Image: Getty Images)

Theres only one way you go for that really, so my mind was already made up, he recalls. I remember as I went to the oche to take out 144 I was telling myself not to even think about the nine-dart finish. I was saying to myself, This is a finish we all take out quite often. I just wanted to get the first dart in the treble, which I did.

As a darts player, you just follow it and the second went in. On the double, I did actually say to myself to make sure to throw at it, because sometimes when youre on a nine you can have a bit of tension and you might pull it or flick at it. I remember saying to myself to just throw it. I did and it was perfect, it couldnt have been any better.

Pandemonium ensued at the Winter Gardens. Newton raised his hands above his head, offered a fist pump and then went leaping across the stage. The roof came off the famous old arena as the Warriors hometown fans celebrated the magical moment with him.

[Newton remembers his Blackpool nine-darter well]

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Newton remembers his Blackpool nine-darter well(Image: PDC)

Newton can still remember it all now, 12 years on. Ive watched it back so many times, he admits. Its pure emotion because the whole room was going mad. I was on top of the world, it was absolutely amazing. Looking back theres one key thing, I remember.

Once Id done my fist pumps and everything and given a bit to the crowd, me and Justin fist-bumped. I then went back to the table, and I was so nervous that when I went to take a sip of water, I didnt raise my glass high enough to get any out! I was shaking that much!

Like most players who hit a nine-darter, Newton found it difficult to shake the adrenaline of nailing the perfect leg. It ultimately cost him later on as Pipe went on to win the match 13-10 to book a quarter-final spot against Ronnie Baxter.

[Pandemonium ensued after Newton hit the perfect leg]

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Pandemonium ensued after Newton hit the perfect leg(Image: @OfficialPDC)

The adrenaline is running through you and youre just shaking after doing it, Newton admits. I remember thinking, Thats gone now, youve got to get on with the game and get on with the next leg.

I think it was six or nine darts into that next leg that I was still shaking and buzzing and youre trying to forget it, but you cant. Newton picked up an extra 5,000 in prize money for his nine-darter, on top of the 7,500 he made for making the second round.

But it couldve been a whole lot more had it not been for a Dutch bloke by the name of Michael van Gerwen. Van Gerwen had hit a perfect leg the night before against Steve Beaton, which meant the prize was halved after Newtons effort.

I remember Phil Taylor doing the first one in 2002 against Chris Mason and he got 100,000. When I did mine, MVG had done one the night before and Freddie Flintoff was commentating! It was just typical that hed hit one the night before, so we had to split the 10,000 prize between us.

[Phil Taylor hit the World Matchplay's first nine-darter and collected 100,000 in the process]

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Phil Taylor hit the World Matchplay's first nine-darter and collected 100,000 in the process(Image: Getty Images)

Newtons pride at hitting a nine-darter in front of his home fans still shines through, even now. The former world no.5 is the first to admit that he never achieved what he might have liked on the Matchplay stage.

He made two quarter-finals losing to Phil Taylor on both occasions and suffered five first-round exits. In total, he only made eight appearances at the Matchplay, a tally that belies the ability he possessed at the peak of his powers.

But no one can ever take away his moment of magic against Pipe. He remains one of only nine players to have hit a nine-darter in Blackpool after Dimitri van den Bergh added his name to that list earlier this week.

I think the only downer about it all is that I ended up losing the game, Newton admits. I think it wouldve made the memory that little bit more special if Id have gone on to win. But it was fantastic for me and something Ill never forget. To do it at Blackpool, I couldnt have chosen it any better if someone had asked me where Id have liked to have hit one. I still watch it back now all the time.

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