The name Aaron Turner might not shine quite as brightly in the darting sky as some of the sport’s stars, but across a distinctive career spanning three decades, the Surrey slinger has built an impressive collection of oche honours – along with oodles of experience.
Known affectionately as Azza, Turner was a prolific youth champion in his early years. These days, the 45-year-old travels far and wide on the packed WDF calendar – and his airmiles account is certainly reaping the rewards.
Turner returns to MODUS Super Series action next week, stepping into the fray on Thursday. Speaking with Darts World, he reflected on his recent appearance and what he hopes to achieve this time around:
“I was there a few months ago, playing in the last series, and made it through to Finals Night. Unfortunately, I lost both my group games 4–3 to Neil Duff and Martyn Turner – and I was leading 3–1 in both!”
A real kick in the teeth for the Byfleet man – but that’s darts. One thing’s for sure: Turner relishes the Live Lounge atmosphere and has a clear initial goal in mind:
“First objective – try and make it to Saturday. After that, anything can happen. It’s a great, purpose-built venue with a really impressive set-up. They must’ve spent a fortune on the equipment! It’s so professionally run, and everyone there makes you feel really welcome and looked after.”
On the WDF circuit, Aaron’s passport has already seen plenty of ink this year, with stops in Romania, Slovakia, Denmark, and Canada – and more to come:
“I like going to new venues, so I try to mix it up. The WDF calendar has events every weekend, but I usually do one a month – ideally one I haven’t been to before, unless it’s a gold-ranked tournament like Denmark. We’re hoping to go to Belgium in early August for the Antwerp Open – it’s one we really like, so that’s probably next.”
That “we” refers to wife Laura – a top darts player in her own right and a familiar voice on Sky Sports’ darts coverage. But having a world-class practice partner at home doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a dartboard battle every night:
“I don’t really practise anymore – maybe a couple of nights a week. Since lockdown, Laura and I have only had one proper practice session together. Instead, she’s been playing online the last 4–5 months with Lorraine Winstanley.”
To be fair, it’s tough to practise with someone who admittedly never practises. Away from the oche, Aaron co-owns a kitchen design and fitting business, but his 2025 darting plans are laser-focused:
“My ambition is to get to Lakeside – that’s all I’m focused on this year. The WDF system is a bit confusing – 48 players make up the field, but there are regional qualifiers as well. The hardest thing is that gold-ranked events run right up to the cut-off, so you never really know where you stand. A few years ago, John O’Shea won the World Masters and that result knocked me out of Lakeside.”
That’s Joker having the last laugh there. But if he qualifies, it would be Azza’s fourth straight appearance at the iconic venue. And back home in Surrey, he’s doing his bit to grow the grassroots game too:
“I love the game, and the passion’s still there. Every Friday in Walton-on-Thames, I run a Vault League. That whole concept has been brilliant – it’s freshened things up and brought in a lot of younger players too.”
With a hunger that hasn’t dimmed and a genuine love for darts, Aaron has all the right ingredients. And if everything clicks in Portsmouth, another title might just be winging its way back to the Turner household.
—–ENDS—–
Images: L Lustig
