Peter Wright-vanquishing Nathan Rafferty delighted at UK Open win
NewsSaturday, 03 March 2018 at 12:00
18-year-old Nathan Rafferty caused a huge shock at the UK Open on Friday.
The Northern Irishman battled through to the third round in Minehead. He beat Riley's qualifer Jason Mold 6-3, averaging almost 95. His reward was a tie against defending champion Peter Wright. Snakebite was looking to retain his title, but was instead knocked out at the first hurdle. Rafferty held his nerve to complete a famous 10-9 success.
After rounding off the win, the apprentice engineer revealed his delight at beating the 2017 winner.
He said: "I'm over the moon.
"The aim was to get five legs so it's a good feeling to beat someone who won it last year."
Click here for a full breakdown of the UK Open prize money.
After rounding off the win, the apprentice engineer revealed his delight at beating the 2017 winner.
He said: "I'm over the moon.
"The aim was to get five legs so it's a good feeling to beat someone who won it last year."
Click here for a full breakdown of the UK Open prize money.
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- So, you don't like Littler, then? I was cheering him on, being a fellow Englishman. Honestly, some of us get far too offended nowadays. If you want to see crowd passion... watch a match when German and Dutch players face off... that can be just as bad if not worse for crowd noises. It happens, I have watched and heard Littler being jeered - Dirk van Duijvenbode in Holland, January this year. Where was your outrage then? Yes, I can clearly see what is going on here.MrYnyslas197116-11-2024
- It happens. Remember, anyone who has watched German and Dutch players in matches - their respective countries will have seen/heard just as bad jeering (if not worse). Taylor and MVG are two prime examples of professionals who are able to cope with the crowds mentally and not take it personally. This is not just an English crowd problem, FFS.MrYnyslas197116-11-2024
- Was watching an old World Masters final the other day between Eric Bristow and John Lowe, the crowd respect for both players on throw was first class, not a sound. You can imagine now the idiots who were whistling on De Deckers throw proudly boasting about it on social media. I blame the PDC to a certain extent though doubt they really care as they win regardless of which player wins or loses.Mysstree16-11-2024
- @UndartedWaters I totally agree with your thoughts! I totally respect Kirk but in this instance I was disappointed with his lack of crowd control. I even turned to my husband and said "Could you imagine this happening if Russ Bray was the referee tonight? At least there would have been a crowd admonishment- Ladies and Gentleman please." I so felt for Mike DeDecker...MamaVenus15-11-2024
- Many fans had a sour taste in their mouth by the end of this match. Mike was cruising to victory, playing beautiful darts, when the whistling started in earnest, particularly on his doubles. You could see in Mike's face that it was really affecting his concentration. The referee should have asked for order, just to show that the whistling is unacceptable, and Luke Littler could also have done his part to quieten down the crowd instead of "taking full advantage.:" I put that down to his age though. He needs some good advice on this from his management team and/or more seasoned players. It's got to be about who's best on the night, not who is being harassed by the crowd. Luke Littler played well to get back into the game and win, but it was a hollow victory. If he goes on to win the tournament, that triumph too will be tainted because of this match.
UndartedWaters15-11-2024