PDC referee Paul Hinks reveals demotion: "It came out of the blue if I am being honest"

Paul Hinks has long been a face and voice well known to darting fans as one of the most senior PDC referees.

But Hinks hasn't been seen in some time reappearing as the referee for the World Seniors Darts Championship this past weekend in Purfleet.

"Seems like yesterday that we were here but really missed it and a lot of old legends when you look around the place and I've got a lot of memories of people -who I've actually worked with who are no longer with us," said Hinks to Online Darts.

"I always like calling finals but to be the first to actually do a new tournament, it's great."

He also gave praise to his fellow referee on the tournament, Charlie Corstorphine who after being part of Team Ref in the BDO has returned to be involved in the Live League and World Seniors.

"When he calls, he is very clear on what he does, his adding up ability is very good and he can only learn with other referees and take the experience from that and go from there."

What about his PDC career though? He revealed that he has been demoted from being a top referee.

"They've moved Huw Ware up to work alongside George Noble, Russ Bray and Kirk Bevins and they've put me down to number five. If they ever require a fifth referee, they will call upon me or if there are any overlap on tournaments. But I've not officially retired from the game no."

"If that's what their plans are, I'll go with it. It came out of the blue if I am being honest."