In a surprising move, it has been announced that the long-standing relationship between Canadian darter Jeff Smith and manufacturer Winmau Darts has come to an end. The latter was ‘The Silencer’s’ dart manufacturer for six years.
The decision to end the partnership came from Smith himself. ”This decision is a personal choice and has absolutely nothing to do with Winmau as a company,” the former World Finalist announced.
The Boardroom has confirmed that this is also the view from Winmau.
”They were absolutely fantastic to me. Been a pleasure to work with such a great company and be a part of an amazing camp of players.”
Within a few hours, we came across the news that Jeff had returned to his previous manufacturer, Cosmo
There seems to be a developing trend for players looking to internationally recognised companies rather than the handful of UK-based giants previously always in the dominant position. Rumour reaches our ears that a huge star has recently turned down a lucrative extension to a contract with one of the ‘Big 5’ in order to build a more global profile with a non-UK company.
The Boardroom wonders if some of these companies are building stronger player rosters to combine with often superb design and manufacturing capability in order to improve their positions as the sport expands in the post-pandemic period?
It is to be hoped that this is not a sign of Jeff spending less time on the PDC and pursuing other avenues. As always we wish The Silencer, one of the nicest people in our game, all the very best.
—–ENDS—–
Image: Winmau
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