Who Hit the First Televised 9 Darter in Darts?
The nine-dart finish, darts’ equivalent of a perfect game, is a rare and celebrated feat. But who achieved this first on television, etching their name in darts history? This article delves into the history of televised nine-darters, exploring the pioneers who achieved this remarkable accomplishment.
Phil Taylor, a dominant figure in darts, often associated with the nine-darter. (image (c) PDC)
John Lowe: The First Televised Nine-Darter
While other nine-darters may have been thrown before, it was John Lowe who secured his place in history by achieving the first televised nine-dart finish in a major tournament. This momentous occasion occurred on Friday, October 13, 1984, during the quarter-final of the MFI World Matchplay at the Fulcrum Centre in Slough. Lowe, sponsored by Unicorn, hit the perfect combination of scores against Keith Deller, securing a remarkable £102,000 prize.
The Finger Post pub, where the earliest recorded 9-dart finish took place in 1976. (c) Robinsons
Lowe’s prize was a combination of a pre-arranged payout from the organizers and a bonus from the British Darts Organisation (BDO). His success continued throughout the tournament, ultimately winning the championship and amassing a total of £115,000 in prize money – a record that remained unbroken for nearly two decades.
The First Live Televised Nine-Darter: Shaun Greatbatch
While Lowe holds the distinction of the first televised nine-darter, Shaun Greatbatch achieved a different milestone: the first nine-darter broadcast live on television. This historic event took place on February 3, 2002, at the Dutch Open final in Veldhoven, Holland. Greatbatch accomplished the feat during a tense final against Steve Coote, with the match broadcast live by Dutch television station SBS6.
Shaun Greatbatch featured on Darts World after his historic nine-darter.
Despite the magnitude of his achievement, Greatbatch received no pre-determined prize money for his nine-darter, ultimately receiving a €2,000 donation from a viewer after the event.
Paul Lim: Nine Darts at the World Championships
Another significant milestone in televised nine-darter history belongs to Paul Lim. In 1990, at the Embassy World Professional Darts Championship, Lim threw the first nine-dart finish at the World Championships. This historic moment occurred during his second-round match against Jack McKenna, earning Lim a then-substantial £52,000. Remarkably, Lim’s nine-darter remains the only one ever thrown at the BDO World Championship.
Other Notable Nine-Darters
Phil Taylor, despite often being mistakenly credited with the first televised nine-darter, achieved his first televised nine-dart finish in 2002 at the World Matchplay. While not the first, it was a significant moment in darts history and further popularized the feat. Earlier, in 1976 Albert Gamble threw a perfect nine-dart leg; although witnessed by many, it wasn’t televised and wasn’t recognized by Guinness World Records due to insufficient documentation.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Televised Nine-Darters
John Lowe, Shaun Greatbatch, and Paul Lim each hold unique distinctions in the history of televised nine-darters. Their achievements not only showcased incredible skill but also helped elevate the sport of darts to a wider audience. These perfect games remain iconic moments, reminding us of the precision, pressure, and drama that make darts such a compelling sport.
