The US Darts Masters rarely disappoints, and living up to expectations yesterday was a first night of action which had almost everything.
Taking the proudest bow in stunning Madison Square Garden, was Danny Lauby. Jr, from Terre Haute, Indiana. The World Number 86 sent 2018 World Champion Rob Cross, not so much home, but for a stroll round the amazing city of New York.
That’s not something likely to trouble Cross, although how it happened, a 6-0 whitewash, will bother the former electrician a bit, especially given his ongoing poor form.
Lauby will now play Luke Humphries in the quarterfinals tonight, with few expecting him to repeat the feat.
Humphries made hard work of his win against Stowe Buntz, with the Virginia player leading towards the end of the match, and playing well. The World No. 1, from Crewe in England, known as Cool Hand Luke, needed to show his class to pull through, although, perhaps, it was never in any serious doubt.
Humphries will be grateful, however, that his throwing arm wasn’t badly hurt by an over enthusiastic high five during his walk on.
Insightful commentator Dan Dawson introduced the Luke Littler versus Jules van Dongen match, by saying that an American win would be one of the biggest shocks in world sport. Perhaps his remarks flattered Littler, for nobody is invincible, but given van Dongen’s injuries and worrying form of late, Dawson felt assured of what he said.
When it came, van Dongen celebrated his consolation leg with some enthusiasm, but the 6-1 result was, as billed, inevitable.
Another shock was YouTube hero and Liverpool legend Stephen Bunting falling at the first hurdle. He lost to an inspired Jason Brandon, and while not at his best, the Bullet, with his iconic accent, will have been disappointed not to do himself justice.
Among the foregone conclusions were the Damon Heta 6-1 win against Canadian Jim Long, and Nathan Aspinall, beating another man from north of the 49th parallel, Matt Campbell, this time 6-2.
Add to that, Michael van Gerwen disposing of Leonard Gates, and of course Gerwyn Price, almost hitting yet another nine-dart finish in his game against Adam Sevada. Where would televised darts be without those?
Tonight’s action, therefore, includes MVG at the MSG. Not the most amusing play on words, but Michael van Gerwen did have a big smile on his face when entering the arena, after a spell away from the sport.
Fans also get to see Danny Lauby again, not for the last time either, even if it seems likely to be his last match in this particular tournament.
He has the potential, later on, to break into the top 64 in the rankings, after which, the sky’s the limit.
The US Darts Masters is a serious commitment, but not just on the oche. The professionals always enjoy their trip to the USA, and often combine it with a family holiday.
Last year Cool Hand Luke Humphries famously proposed to his girlfriend, Kayley Jones, at the Edge Observation Deck. Even men with steel hearts were touched by the photos he shared later.
Some say, that when the darts is in town, the Edge is the only place in the city with views to rival those inside Madison Square Garden.
It’s hard to truly rant when a Darts fan, because they are among the happiest sports fans in the world. Unlike most other sports, it is not such a partisan affair. There’s no pain of losing, while there still is the elation of winning. Darts events are big parties, and even those who don’t know much about the event tend to love the experience.
Sure, fans all have their favorite players, but when they lose, their happiness doesn’t depend on it at all. There’s always another match soon. What they want to see is good play, big scores, sportsmanship, a few shocks, and some eternal greats who keep going year after year.
Madison Square Garden is one of the best places to see the show. So, if in town, and can get tickets, go along and see what the fuss is all about.
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok a follow for more great content!
