Target Darts drop suspended Leighton Bennett with immediate effect: ''Deeply disappointed to learn of his actions''

On the same day he was sentenced to an eight-year ban by the disciplinary committee, Leighton Bennett also lost a prominent sponsor. Darts manufacturer Target Darts announced it had cut ties immediately.

Former junior world champion Bennett was suspected of match-fixing and had already been provisionally suspended during the investigation. Bennett was found guilty of 10 counts of rigging the four matches, providing insider information about the matches, failing to assist in an investigation and signing a contract with an unregistered agent.

Bennett was suspended from playing in or being in any way involved in regulated DRA events (including the PDC and WDF) for a total period of eight years and is ordered to pay £8,100.23 in costs. His suspension ends at 11:59 p.m. on August 11, 2032.

The conviction was reason enough for Target Darts to drop Bennett with immediate effect. ''Target is deeply disappointed to learn of Leighton Bennett’s actions and fully respects the ruling imposed by the Darts Regulation Authority,'' the brand wrote on various social media channels. "His sponsorship contract with Target Darts has been terminated, effective immediately."

''Integrity, fairness, and respect for the game are key values to Target’s mission to build a better game for all, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding these principles,'' Target adds. "Darts is rooted in honour and respect, and we will continue to support initiatives that promote transparency, honesty and fairness across all levels of this great sport."

In addition to Bennett, Billy Warriner was also suspended. Warriner may not even compete in tournaments under the banner of the DRA for 10 years. Warriner admitted 19 of the 21 charges for involvement in manipulating the four matches, providing insider information and organizing bets on the matches, four charges of failing to assist in the investigation, two charges of acting as an unregistered intermediary and betting on darts. In addition, he was also found guilty of insulting an official and threatening an opponent during another event.