Flashback stories from World Matchplays

[oche balboa]

2001- Manley blames the board for his exit

Following a pulsating opening match at the Stan James World Matchplay, number one seed Peter ‘One Dart’ Manley succumbed to the ‘Adonis’ Steve Beaton 10-8 and in a dramatic outburst blamed the dartboard for his downfall.
This year's boards feature a chequered outer circle not used before in the tournament and although Beaton dismissed the difference in his post match comments, Manley on the other hand was adamant it had caused his downfall.

“We try and perform the best darts in the world and yet we are playing on a dartboard we’ve never played on before.”

“It was my finishing that let me down at the end of the match. It was the same for both players, but as I say you’re trying to miss the triangles when you’re throwing for the doubles.”

Despite his recriminations about the board, Manley came out guns blazing at the start of the match, as he looked to improve on recent tough first round exits in the major televised events.

“It’s not really tough draws, on a proper dartboard I may have hit the doubles and won the game, so basically I blame the dartboard.”

As the match swung back and forth, it was Beaton who remained composed at the death as Manley was left to reflect on a third consecutive early bath after last year’s Matchplay and the World Championship.

[Randall]

Beaton won a game??

[Mabbsy]

All hail sexy Steve

[Rogg]

Must be this board. I don't remember it from a Matchplay. Thought it was just a one-off Grand Prix novelty the year KP humped Philth.

It's hideous. Also alarming that Manley thought they were triangles.

[Malanax]

taylor v adams matchplay 2001 with that exact board. looks awful who ever thought that was a good idea

[Rogg]

I am mortified that they used that piece of tat at a Matchplay. The only positive is that Wolfie got ruined on it in it. In fact I want one now.

I'm sure there would have been a lot more moaning about it than we ever heard about.

[Randall]

Real boards
Put hairs on your chest

[Rogg]

Real boards
Put hairs on your chest

As bad as Rout.

[M H]

Real boards
Put hairs on your chest

As bad as Rout.

Wash your mouth out Rogg, impossible to be that bad

[Randall]

Real boards
Put hairs on your chest

As bad as Rout.

I've never seen routs chest?

[sennafan24]

Real boards
Put hairs on your chest

As bad as Rout.

I've never seen routs chest?

He's never seen yours.

He can only just about see your knees by gazing up.