A multi million pound darts enterprise built into a converted Portsmouth church would not be many people’s idea of a safe sporting bet. But that is exactly what MODUS have done:
‘Calm and smooth on the surface but paddle like the devil underneath’ is often used to describe those duck-like individuals who appear to be unruffled and relaxed but are actually working away frantically to create that impression. It is also a very good description of the MODUS Super Series.
DW visited during the 9th Super Series and mixed up watching some live action with getting to see how everything you see on screens comes together and talking to those who make it work.
The playing area is seriously impressive, whether its the up and comers or the legends, the well known or the unknown the MSS certainly provide an experience from which any player can learn a huge amount about the next step.
Since our visit Alex Spelman, Jim Long, Romeo Grbavac and most recently the impressive Jimmy Van Schie are amongst those to reach Champions week. The Croatian went on to reach the Ally Pally via the European Qualifiers again showing the form that MSS is both a guide to and builder of.
You only have to follow the number of players who manage to step up a level after playing an MSS or two. Many go on to get Tour Cards or win titles in other codes. Whether it’s a chicken or egg situation is a mute point.
MSS gives players the chance to get acclimatised to a pressure cooker stage atmosphere where they get multiple games, and often appearances, to see if they can swim in the choppier waters.
Van Schie is a fine example, only months ago he was on the verge of tears after believing he had failed to qualify for a finals night. He actually made it through and went on to take full advantage by winning the weekly first prize and heading to Champions week.
He has just qualified again, in between times he has picked up 8 WDF titles and is heavily fancied for the Lakeside title.’The Dutch Secoia’ is but one example among many.
DW’s resident coach has experience of prepping players for their MSS efforts and learning from their feedback.
“Even some very experienced players can take a little time to get used to the challenges of the Super Series. It can be very intense and feel cauldron like at times.
“However, the multiple match format each day, and the fact that if you acquit yourself well you will return,means that most players with the ability will settle and show what they are capable of.
“ I was especially impressed with Women’s week. All the ladies had at least one very good spell showing their skills and many played well throughout.”
However, it’s not only what you see ‘front of house’ that matters when it comes to this rapidly building darts ecosystem. The behind the scenes team of presenters, commentators, social media operators all playing a vital role.
DW were impressed by the sheer level of darts track record and or knowledge amongst the entire staff.
Former PDC senior official George Noble had played a major role in the MSS development while presenter, commentator and darts enthusiast Chris Murphy now brings the whole package together.
Even the spotting and social media team have a darting pedigree. Jared Cole, a very talented young player works full time behind the scenes in this arena and brings a youthful attitude to their content as well as tungsten his know-how.
Speaking of the social media/content system, it is truly impressive. Obviously most space is dedicated to the playing stage and the seating area for fans etc. So the room behind the scenes is strictly limited and to produce the volume of highly detailed stats content and the well produced interviews and other video work from it almost makes you pinch yourself.
If you think it looks like a well run operation on TV, it is even more impressive in person. 4K cameras, superb lighting and pristine sponsorboards etc. the maximisation of space is simply superb. All intended to create a product that for you the viewer is top of the range.
After our visit we’d say they have succeeded, although apparently “we’ve only just got started…”
—–ENDS—–
Originally published in Darts World Magazine 588 (December 2024)
Words and Images: AJ Urmston-Toft
