As far as darts goes, 2023 has not been a year that is going to take up a lot of space in my autobiography – but the way the darting calendar works means that there is still plenty of time for that to change.
The first opportunity to do something of note comes this weekend at the European Championships, where the top 32 players from the Euro Tour events meet for the finals. It is an event I have won before (I beat Simon Whitlock in the final in 2018) and it would a great boost if I could repeat that feat.
I then go to Barnsley to another week of Players' Championship events, culminating in a day of qualifying for the Grand Slam in Wolverhampton – a tournament I really enjoy and one I am desperate to get back to after not being there last year.
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After that the majors come thick and fast. We go to Minehead for the final of the Players' Championships and then move into the Worlds at the Ally Pally, so the next 10 weeks or so can really take a mediocre turn or turn it into a stellar one (not Artois).
Away from the dart board I am loving watching my boys growing up, and Arthur who has now started school is educating me on most things! Recently it seems to be the solar system that he is giving me a daily lesson on, so I am looking forward to finding out when my exam is!
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Talking of Arthur, it was nice to be asked by ITV to take part in some activity for Mental Health Day recently, with the subject focusing on the mental health of school children.
Arthur and myself were asked to make a video for ‘Britain Get Talking’ and I think it says a lot that it became the most interacted with post I have done on social media for some time.
Not being content with being a writer with this column, I have decided to become a broadcaster too in the form of my new Podcast ‘Cupid’s Arrows’ which sees me interview a host of celebs that just love darts.
Talking to them about how they got into it, what they like, whether they are any good and what their nickname would be is all part of the fun! With darts lovers like Prince Harry, Freddie Flintoff, Stephen Fry, Tim Vine, Lee Mack, and many others it is a really diverse group and I have found it fascinating (although Prince Harry has not answered my messages yet).
The most recent record was Tim Vine, and he was a lovely guy – and very funny. We have a real laugh making the show, and then went and played darts afterwards and I can tell you now he is a decent player.
He has done a host of 180s and even a live 170 check out on his social feed. I don’t know about Not Going Out, I think he stayed in and played darts.
Regarding broadcast, I have a new sponsor and it is an exciting one in the shape of Fix Radio. Fix is a station for Builders and have a combination of talk shows and great music (I should know – some of you have seen the Wadey shuffle on stage).
I have a lot of empathy for tradesmen as it is like my mechanic background, and many of my best friends are also in the business.
Obviously, I already partner with Jewson, so this is another chance for me to spend time with builders chatting and hopefully playing some darts as well. I will be proud to wear the Fix logo on stage and hopefully it will bring me some winning luck.
Take care and see you soon,
Wadey.
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