Keith Deller "disrespected" by World Seniors Darts Championship snub: "Some of the players invited have not even won a TV event"
WSDT
One of the most iconic world champion's ever, Keith Deller has competed in each of the first three World Seniors Darts Championship editions. When the 2025 lineup was announced though, Deller stood out as a notable absence.
After reaching the second round in 2022 and 2023, losing to Larry Butler and Neil Duff, Deller suffered a first round exit at the World Seniors Darts Championship in 2024, going down 3-1 to Richie Burnett. As mentioned though, when the 2025 edition takes place at the Circus Tavern between February 19-22, Deller will not be present having been overlooked when the WSDT (World Seniors Darts Tour) handed out their invitations.
As it turns out, '138' himself has not taken too kindly to the snub. "I was not asked so feel disrespected. Some of the players who are invited not even won a TV event," Deller responded on his official X (Twitter) account when his absence was questioned by fans. "I’m sorry but 45 and over is middle aged it’s not a senior."
The legendary John Lowe also weighed on the decision after only featured at the inaugural World Seniors Darts Championship in 2022. "I see your point Keith, the truth is, you/we have served our purpose, whether it be playing, or promoting, sadly it is a fact of life," said the three-time champion of the world. "I agree, it would have been nice to be told you are no longer in contention."
"You have hit it right on the head John, it’s not a nice way to be made to feel when you’re are still ready, willing and able," Deller responded, before adding in another tweet that he still wishes the best for the WSDT. "I hope the seniors is successful for some of the players who have help to make the sport what it is today."
As mentioned, the World Seniors Darts Championship gets underway on February 19th at the Circus Tavern, where notable names such as Simon Whitlock, Mervyn King, Steve Beaton, Martin Adams, John Part, Leonard Gates, Robert Thornton, John Henderson and more will compete for the crown.
I was not asked so feel disrespected. Some of the players who are invited not even won a Tv event.
— Keith Deller MBE (@KDeller138) January 14, 2025
I’m sorry but 45 and over is middle aged it’s not a senior. https://t.co/Ekly8AzmaS
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