Who would have thought that three giant pieces of artwork
depicting former champions on the wall of the Alexandra
Palace would cause so much outrage?
Canada’s John Part was in a far from celebratory mood after his first
round triumph last year, using his post-match interview to berate the
powers that be for omitting his portrait from the wall.
Sure enough, the powers listened, and Part rightfully appeared, albeit
with blindingly white teeth, a few days later. Unfortunately, though,
the three-time World Champion succumbed to a 4-1 defeat in the
following round.
Who will make it onto the great wall this time around?
Celebrity Darts Fans
They may be multi-millionaires who, ten years ago, would
not have touched a piece of tungsten with a bargepole, but
now, even celebrities and royalty can’t turn down a free night at the
darts.
The VIP section of the Ally Pally will once again be brimming with
big names as they take to the best seats in the house to be royally
entertained by the world’s elite throwers.
Comedian Jack Whitehall, actor Stephen Fry, Cricket legend Freddie
Flintoff and pantomime villain Robbie Savage are all regular pilgrims
to the top of Muswell Hill for the greatest show on earth.
In perhaps the most bizarre tale, Chelsea footballer Michael Essien
once scrambled to the merchandise stall for a replica Taylor shirt,
before jumping on his seat and waiting until after midnight for The
Power’s autograph.
In 2011, Price Harry stunned fans and players alike by rocking up on the
red carpet for a night at a very different palace, while Zara Philips has
also been partial to the arrows on home turf.
To quote the great Sid Waddell: “We couldn’t have more excitement if
Elvis walked in and asked for a chip sandwich.”
Fan Wars
Ten pounds can make all the difference when it comes to
buying your ticket for the World Championship.
It’s the difference between sitting at a table, or sitting in the stands.
Last year witnessed a peculiar war of words between those situated on
the floor and those in the adjacent tiers.
Cries of “you can’t afford a table” were countered by chants of “can
you hear the tables sing?” as Scooby Doo and a Snowman made their
feelings clear to one another. All light-hearted, of course.
Photo: Mike Glover/UK Darts Magazine
Murals