FORGOTTEN DARTERS: John MaGowan who achieved success into his late 60's

In this column on DartsNews, we regularly reminisce about Forgotten Darters from the past. Today is the turn of John MaGowan who proved there is no age limit on still playing at the highest level as he celebrated some of his best success after his 60th birthday.

MaGowan began his career in the BDO and made his first appearance in 1994, aged 53 by reaching the final of the Isle of Man Open. He lost there to his compatriot, Mick Manning.

Three years later, he reached the Quarter-Finals at both the Dutch Open and WDF World Cup and from there competed at the World Masters in his one and only BDO major back in 2001 where he lost to John 'Boy' Walton.

Read also

FORGOTTEN DARTERS: Two-time World Master Whitcombe who lost two World Championship finals to Bristow

However, 'Mr Magoo' as he was known switched to the PDC and made his debut at the age of 61. In 2004, he reached the Last 16 of the UK Open after victories over Steve Hine, Steve Johnson and Steve Evans, he only lost to Kevin Painter in the end.

Breakthrough at World Grand Prix

A year later, he became well known to the darting public. At the World Grand Prix, he caused a sensation by eliminating Alan Caves and Peter Manley and reaching the quarterfinals to everyone's surprise. However, his son's wedding was also planned that week. MaGowan was flown back and forth by helicopter and was back just in time to match Dennis Smith. However, the fatigue on his face was clearly visible and Smith won easily 4-0.

MaGowan made his debut at the PDC World Championship in 2006 at the age of 64, becoming the oldest player ever to play in a World Championship. Dennis Priestley, however, proved too strong in the opening round with 3-1. Later that year, he put in the best performance of his career by reaching the semi-finals at the UK Open. After victories over Matt Clark, Adrian Lewis and Robbie Green, he went down 11-7 against eventual winner Raymond van Barneveld.

Read also

FORGOTTEN DARTERS - Mike Gregory who missed six match darts to win 1992 World Championship

Nine-darter

In 2008 MaGowan made darts history again by throwing a nine-darter at the Players Championship in Eindhoven. At the age of 67, he was the oldest ever to do so.

Oldest ever at World Championship

MaGowan last really made his mark at the 2009 PDC World Championship. Not only did he become the oldest participant ever in the World Championship, in the first round he actually beat the much higher rated Chris Mason with a 3-0 win and an average well into the 90s. In 2011 he forfeited for the UK Open and not much later he announced his retirement. At the age of 70, MaGowan was finally able to enjoy his time away from the oche.