The Punch That Shook Amateur Darts: Sam Whittaker Finally Tells His Side

By Lewis Barnett 3 August, 2025 5 mins read 248 Views

Look, I've been covering darts for years, and nothing prepared me for this story.

Sam Whittaker just broke his silence about getting sucker-punched by Adam Smith-Neale back in March 2024. And honestly? His version of events is completely different from what the so-called "Big Dog" has been telling everyone. We're talking about the incident that got Smith-Neale banned for eight months from sanctioned darts - the one caught on security cameras that made every darts fan cringe.

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What Really Happened at the Nuneaton Open?

Here's where it gets messy. Smith-Neale has been running his mouth, claiming Whittaker "threatened" his mum during their match and made some derogatory comment after winning. Classic deflection move, right?

But Whittaker, who's 40 and clearly fed up with staying quiet, isn't having any of it. "He doesn't like it because he lost," Whittaker told me. "Before we started playing, he told everyone he was going to smash me."

The guy was literally bragging to the entire room about how badly he was gonna beat this amateur player. Imagine the embarrassment when he actually lost.

"It was the wrong thing to do to me because when I am on my game I can beat anyone," Whittaker said. And you know what? Good for him.

The Heel-Kicking Incident Nobody Talks About

This part really got under my skin. Whittaker claims Smith-Neale kept "coming up behind me as I was about to take the shot and clipped me" - basically kicking him lightly in the heel during throws. That's bush league behavior, even for amateur tournaments.

When Whittaker asked him to stop, Smith-Neale's mum apparently "shouted her mouth off" and told him he was "nothing." Real classy family dynamics there.

Whittaker's response to dear old mum? Just asked "Am I in the wrong?" That's it. No threats, no insults - just a reasonable question from someone getting harassed.

The Handshake That Became a Haymaker

Here's the kicker (pun intended). Smith-Neale threw the punch right when Whittaker was trying to shake hands after the match. Security footage doesn't lie, folks.

But here's my favorite part of this whole mess: Whittaker says the punch didn't even hurt. His immediate response? "My mum can hit harder than that."

Absolute legend.

Smith-Neale then tried to square up again before the pub landlord had to physically remove him. Because nothing says "professional athlete" like getting tossed by bar staff, right?

The Facebook Drama From 2015

Plot twist: these two actually played on the same amateur team back in 2015 at the Queens Head pub in Tamworth. Smith-Neale left to pursue "Super League darts" (whatever that means), and Whittaker wished him well in their team's Facebook group chat.

Smith-Neale's response to this gesture of goodwill? Threatened to "punch up" both Whittaker and the team captain. Because that's totally normal behavior when someone supports your career move.

Big Dog's Excuses Don't Hunt

Smith-Neale gave his version to Darts World magazine, claiming there was "needle" and that threats were made against his family. When asked if he regretted his actions, he doubled down: "If someone threatens my family, I would do the same thing again."

Listen, I get protecting family. But when your version of events doesn't match the security footage or witness accounts, maybe it's time to own up to being a sore loser.

Whittaker's assessment of his former teammate? "He is just very up and down, he can be very friendly and then he can turn on you the next minute... He is just not a very nice person, he is always bragging and arrogant."

Where Things Stand Now

Smith-Neale's ban was lifted in November 2024, and he's already back on television with the MODUS Super Series on Pluto TV. Because apparently eight months is enough time to learn... what exactly?

The 2018 BDO World Masters champion lost his professional status due to inactivity, which probably stings more than any punch he threw. Meanwhile, Whittaker goes back to playing amateur darts without the drama.

Sometimes the real story isn't about who throws the hardest or who has the fanciest titles. Sometimes it's about who keeps their cool when someone else loses theirs completely.

And based on everything I've heard, Sam Whittaker handled this situation a lot better than the guy who's supposed to be the "professional."

Frequently Asked Questions

How far should I stand from the dartboard?

The official throwing distance is 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 meters) measured from the face of the board to the oche (throwing line). In American darts, this distance is sometimes 8 feet, so check local rules if you're playing in the States.

How often should I replace my dartboard?

A quality sisal dartboard should last anywhere from 1-3 years with regular play, though this varies dramatically based on usage and care. Professional-grade boards like Winmau Blade 5 or Target Unicorn typically outlast budget options by a significant margin.

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.

Wait, so how exactly do you score in darts? I always get confused.

Dart scoring is straightforward once you get the hang of it! The standard game (501 or 301) starts with that number, and you subtract whatever you hit with each throw. The goal is to reach exactly zero, with your final dart landing in a double.

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.

How do I practice darts effectively if I'm playing alone?

Solo practice doesn't have to be boring—in fact, it's often more productive than casual games with friends. The key is having structured practice routines that target specific skills rather than just throwing randomly at the board.

Statistics

A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.
Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.

External Links

How To

Aiming Systems & Practice Routines

When I first started, I would just aim at whatever number I needed. But after watching some YouTube tutorials in 2018, I learned about the "clock" system. Imagine the board as a clock face. If you're aiming for the 20, but hit the 5, you're throwing too far to the right (clockwise). Adjust accordingly.