Former World Champion Keith Deller and PDC Hall of Famer Russ Bray are coming to the Grosvenor Casino in Luton.
The darting royalty pair will share legendary stories from their years in the game and take part in a live Q&A. There will even be an opportunity to step up to the oche and challenge the 1983 BDO World Champion – just don’t refuse the bullseye if Deller is sat on 138! You’ll also have the chance to get a photo with these icons.
The event takes place on Sunday, July 13th, from 4 pm. To grab tickets for this unmissable event, simply click on the link at the bottom of this feature. Ahead of the action, Grosvenor Casinos brought Darts World and Keith Deller together for a chat – and, of course, we decided to talk about darts. Odd, right?
With the dust now settled on the recent World Cup in Germany, where England crashed out in their first game to the host nation, was Keith shocked at the early exit? And did he think the dream pairing of Humphries and Littler got some unfair criticism? Let’s ask him:
“It was a little surprising, yes. But pairs and singles are so different. You have to wait longer to throw, and it’s not a good rhythm for some. Ideally, you need a duo with a good scorer and a good finisher. I always thought the toughest draw would be against Germany, and Schindler played really well. England began slowly, and after they were put under pressure, they got into trouble.”
Of course, much was said about the criticism of Team England from multiple World Champion Dennis Priestley. The Yorkshire legend didn’t hold back, suggesting that the two Lukes let their country down. As someone who knows Dennis very well, what did Keith think of the comments?
“I don’t agree – it’s ridiculous to say that. If anything, Humphries and Littler let themselves down and just didn’t play to their potential. But they tried their best. You can’t play great all the time and win everything. At the end of the day, they never gelled.
Dennis has his opinion, and he has every right to express it. But the lads also have the right to disagree and respond to it.”
Did the hostile German crowd play a part?
“It probably didn’t help, but those two are used to those kinds of crowds. It’s no worse than they might hear on a regular Premier League night. What bugs me the most is the whistling – I hate it. If I hear it, I just think, get them out. It’s something that really irritates me, and it always seems to happen in Germany. It needs to be looked at.”
We get it Keith – not a fan of whistlers! As a former World Seniors Darts competitor, we asked the Ipswich man for his opinion on the recent shock announcement that current Tour Card holder Raymond van Barneveld is due to compete in the upcoming Champion of Champions:
“At the end of the day, I think if you’ve got a main tour card, you shouldn’t be playing in the seniors – or, if you do, let everyone else have a go. Do Gary Anderson and Peter Wright now have a right to say they want to play? Because if they did and are refused, it would feel like preferential treatment.
“In my opinion, the Senior tournaments are for players who aren’t good enough to keep their tour card, those who’ve never really done much in the sport but get one shot at a big moment, or players who aren’t at their best anymore. Barney’s a huge coup for them – one of the greatest of all time. He’ll bring in more fans.
“It’s a strong field, and Barney is naturally the favourite since he’s still on the current tour. I did say to Steve Beaton recently, unless you practice really hard, you won’t win. He’s just been playing against Van Gerwen and Littler, so he could think it’s easier to play in the Seniors. The mindset might be that it’s a walk in the park in comparison.”
So, there you have it. Just a few opinions from a man who famously and dramatically once climbed to the top of the mountain. But he has a lot more to say.
Legendary caller and official Russ Bray, a long time Darts World columnist, is never short of words either – after all, he is nicknamed The Voice.
If you want to hear more and enjoy a great day of entertainment in the company of these two darting legends, click below and reserve your ticket. First come, first served, so don’t delay!
——ENDS—–
For tickets and details click here
Images: WSD
