Darts star confronts referee over ‘illegal’ move and points the finger | Other | Sport

Dirk van Duijvenbode was left fuming with Charlie Corstorphine at the Players Championship Finals, after the referee ruled one of his throws as ‘illegal.’ The Dutchman was 5-3 down to Madars Ramza in a best of 11 frames on Friday, when he stepped up to the oche with 20 remaining.

After landing a 10 and a five, Van Duijvenbode quickly threw for a treble eight to reset his score, hopeful of having another crack at double 10 if he was afforded another visit. However, Corstorphine was quick to announce a score of 15, before adding: “That last dart doesn’t count,” much to the distaste of Van Duijvenbode. The 33-year-old was quick to challenge the referee’s decision, seen pointing his finger during a brief argument, before returning to the other side of the stage.

However, it was explained during the exchange that Van Duijvenbode had thrown his final dart sideways, and as a result, it would not be allowed to count. The decision ultimately meant that the player needed five to check out on his next trip, needing two darts instead of the one he would have required for a double 10.

It didn’t matter in the end, however, with Ramza composing himself before stepping to the line to throw for double four on the first time of asking to achieve his checkout of eight. The Latvian was then quick to offer a handshake to his opponent, who continued to vent his frustration after the ruling from Corstorphine moments earlier, returning to the officials to seek clarity on why his score wasn’t allowed to bust while gesticulating in animated fashion.

Tensions seemed to cool as Scott Gibling gave his own reasoning to Van Duijvenbode, as the star eventually exited the stage, and subsequently, the competition. As a result of his win, Ramza will now face Danny Noppert in the round of 32 at 4.40pm on Saturday.

It comes as defending champion of the Players Championship, Luke Humphries, was dumped out of the competition by up-and-coming wonderkid, Gian van Veen on Friday evening. ‘Cool Hand’ Luke, who recently lost his World No. 1 spot on the PDC Order of Merit to Luke Littler, was outplayed at Butlin’s Minehead during the encounter with his 23-year-old opponent on the night, suffering a 6-5 loss to Van Veen.

The Englishman will now look for redemption at the 2026 PDC World Championships, a tournament that Littler heads into as the defending champion thanks to his record-breaking win over Michael van Gerwen in January. And speaking after the Grand Slam of Darts final, in which, he suffered a loss to Littler, Humphries made it clear that the Worlds are on his mind.

He said: “It is three finals on the trot I’ve lost. I’m ready for the Worlds now. I am going to win the Worlds. I am declaring war on him. I’m playing good. Tiredness just crept in at the end there. We’re going to go to war at the World Championships, we’ll see who is the one there.

“I said to him he deserves everything he gets. He’s a massive advocate for darts. I’ve never really felt like world number one, I’ve never felt like I’ve got the attention I deserve. He’s such an incredible player.”