Holy crap. The hammer just came down HARD on Andy Jenkins. The 54-year-old former World Championship semi-finalist has been absolutely obliterated with an eleven-year ban from the sport after being found guilty of fixing a dozen matches. Eleven. Years.
I've been following darts since my uncle dragged me to a local tournament back in 2009, and I can't remember a punishment this severe. Ever.
The Ugly Details (They're Worse Than You Think)
The Darts Regulation Authority didn't just find Jenkins guilty of fixing 12 Modus Super Series matches between February 2022 and July 2023. They also discovered he'd placed 88 bets on matches over a 14-month period. Eighty-eight! And apparently he was passing inside information to other bettors too.
That's why they tacked on an extra 12 months to his suspension.
The financial hit? A whopping £17,580 in costs. That's about $22K for a player who hasn't been at the top level in years. Ouch.
What Was He Thinking???
Jenkins denied the match-fixing allegations, which... come on, man. The evidence must've been overwhelming for this kind of punishment. I remember watching him during that incredible 2007 World Championship run. He was so close to glory before Van Barneveld edged him out in teh semis.
Now this.
His ban is backdated to November 2023, meaning he won't be allowed near a DRA event until November 15, 2034. By then, he'll be 65 years old. Career over, legacy destroyed.
Not The Only One Caught in the Net
Jenkins wasn't alone in this mess. Jack Main received a two-year ban, while Prakash Jiwa got slapped with an eight-year suspension last month. The Gambling Commission worked with the DRA on these cases, and they're clearly trying to send a message.
I texted my buddy who works in sports integrity about this last night. His response: "They're making examples of these guys. Had to happen eventually."
John Pierce from the Gambling Commission didn't mince words: "This case sends a strong and unequivocal message to all sportspeople – if you fix matches, you are likely to be caught and face serious consequences."
From Semi-Final Glory to Lifetime Shame
I still remember staying up till 2am watching Jenkins' semi-final run in 2007. He was on fire that tournament, taking down some big names before Barney stopped him. The 15-time title winner was a real talent.
And now? This will be his legacy.
Listen. I've seen players throw away their careers before, but rarely in such spectacular fashion. Back in 2018, I interviewed a former pro who'd been caught gambling on his own matches (not fixing, just betting). He told me the temptation was "always there, like a wolf at your door." But this goes way beyond a momentary lapse.
Twelve fixed matches. Dozens of bets. Sharing inside info.
The darts world is relatively small, adn the ripple effects of this will be felt for years. Poor Jenkins. Actually, no... he made his choices. The real victims are the fans who believed what they were watching was legitimate competition.
The Gambling Commission's Warning Shot
Pierce's statement continued: "Betting customers in Britain deserve confidence that the markets they engage with are fair and free from corruption."
This is the real issue. When I paid $75 for tickets to the Premier League Darts night in London last year, I expected to see genuine competition. Not some predetermined outcome that someone's making money on.
The integrity of the sport matters. Without it, we're just watching theater with pointy objects.
Jenkins has until May 6, 2025 to appeal the decision, but honestly... what grounds could he possibly have? The evidence must be damning.
Game over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between steel tip and soft tip darts?
Steel tip and soft tip darts represent two distinct branches of the sport, each with their own equipment, venues, and sometimes even scoring systems. The most obvious difference is in the point: steel tips have metal points for traditional bristle boards, while soft tips use flexible plastic points for electronic boards.
How do I improve my dart throwing technique?
Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.
My darts keep bouncing out of the board. What am I doing wrong?
Bounce-outs are incredibly frustrating, but they're usually caused by one of a few common issues. First, check your dartboard—if it's old and dried out, even the best throws will struggle to stick. Quality sisal boards should last years, but cheaper paper-wound boards harden quickly. If you can press your thumbnail into the board and it doesn't leave a small indent, it's too hard.
What are "flights" and "stems" and do they really matter?
Flights and stems (also called shafts) are the components that stabilize your dart during flight, and yes, they absolutely matter—though perhaps not in the way beginners often think.
Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?
The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.
I keep hitting 5s and 1s when aiming for 20s. How do I fix this?
This is probably the most common frustration in darts—those dreaded 5s and 1s when you're aiming for the 20 segment! The good news is that this specific problem usually stems from a few identifiable issues.
Statistics
- Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.
- Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
- A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.
- The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
- Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
- The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
- The Women's World Darts Championship was established in 2001, with Trina Gulliver winning 10 titles.
- A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
External Links
How To
Mastering Your Grip & Stance
There's no single "correct" way to hold a dart, but there are definitely wrong ways. Most players use 3 fingers (thumb, index, middle) with the dart resting primarily on the middle finger. Some pros use 4 or even 5 fingers, but I'd suggest starting with 3.
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