Shropshire Star

Ace night for fans as darts giants hit oche at Shrewsbury

Hundreds of fans flocked to see two of the world's best darts players go head-to-head in a showdown in Shropshire.

Published

Michael van Gerwen – the world number one – and former BDO World Champion Mark Webster faced off in a series of exhibition matches at Shrewsbury Town's Greenhous Meadow ground, in front of scores of spectators.

The Dutchman had originally expected to face off with Shrews boss Micky Mellon in front of the sell-out crowd.

But the Scot could not turn up for their showdown on Friday night as he prepared his side for their League Two promotion push.

Van Gerwen, who won the PDC World Championship in 2013, said: "This is my very first visit to Shrewsbury, both the town and this football ground, and it was great to see what you have here.

"It is very different from my team, PSV Eindhoven, but Shrewsbury look like they are going places.

"Things are going well for me at the moment. I am enjoying a good season so far and am top of the Premier League, but I have to keep at it.

"I have only won one world title. Phil Taylor has 16. I have a long way to go before I can say I have achieved anywhere near what I want to.

"But I am focused, I am training hard and my message to any young Shropshire players is to practice hard every single day."

He added: "It is a long story how I got into darts, but I also used to play football too. But when it got cold I started to play darts inside and played every day.

"I am the youngest person to hit a nine-dart finish on television, but what you have to remember is that only wins you one leg. You have to work hard and try your best in every leg."

Welshman Webster, who won the BDO World Championship in 2008, added: "Shrewsbury Town have an excellent set up here and I know a bit about the club.

"I remember it well when they beat Everton in the FA Cup a few years ago.

"It is great to be here and facing Michael. I feel like I have managed to get myself back on track after a poor 18 months and it is onwards and upwards from here.

"Darts has really taken off in this country in the last few years thanks to the efforts of the PDC and Sky Sports who have taken it to a different level. I honestly believe that once a top female player comes along who is capable of beating the men on a regular basis, this sport will go absolutely huge.

"There are some amazing women playing and I would encourage more to give it a go.

"There's also plenty of opportunities out there for young players these days, with some youth tournaments offering prize money of up to £2,000 and the chance to appear on television.

"Darts has been very good to me and I would highly recommend it as a past time for youngsters."

Van Gerwen began playing darts at the age of 13 and had won the World Masters and thrown a televised nine-dart finish within four years, becoming the youngest player to do either.

Van Gerwen added: "There is no feeling like when the fans chant your name when you are coming on. Sometimes I can't hear it because I am so focused, but the way the sport has grown is amazing.

"It is so popular in the UK, Holland, Germany and Australia and is continuing to get bigger. I am sure it won't be my last visit to Shropshire either, as the fans are wonderful."

Matt Williams, Shrewsbury Town chief executive, added: "It has been a marvellous night for the club. The two players were magnificent with the public and the club staff.

"They had time for everyone and nothing was too much trouble. I organised this event to try and test the water and see if Shropshire had the appetite for darts, well it certainly does and we will be doing this again."

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.