It will have been a decade at the oche for me traveling to Alexandra Palace otherwise known as ‘Ally Pally’ over the festive period in December though to the new year. For the PDC World Darts Championships that take place, where a field of 72 players from 24 countries this year will battle it out to be crowned World Darts Champion.
While working as a staff photographer for Action Images I somehow ended up with the roll to cover the tournament in its entirety. Which I assume from my fellow colleagues were ‘very very’ happy about! Where previous tournaments at Ally Pally and previously at Circus Tavern would have been spread out with different photographer coming in for few days at time.
General view of Alexandra Palace at the Palm Court entrance during day one of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday December 14, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Darts – 2012 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 17/12/11 General view of Alexandra Palace Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – 2013 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 21/12/12 General view outside Alexandra Palace Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 14/12/13 General view of Alexandra Palace as the South African flag is flown at half mast for Nelson Mandela Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – 2011 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 19/12/10 General view of Alexandra Palace Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – 2011 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 19/12/10 General view of Alexandra Palace Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – 2011 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 19/12/10 General view as members of the public enjoy the snow at Alexandra Palace Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
General view of Alexandra Palace during day ten of the William Hill PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday December 28, 2015. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steve Paston/PA Wire. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
General view of Alexandra Palace
General view of Alexandra Palace during day two of the William Hill PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday December 18, 2015. See PA story DARTS London. Photo credit should read: Steve Paston/PA Wire. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
General view of Alexandra Palace during day two of the William Hill PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday December 18, 2015. See PA story DARTS London. Photo credit should read: Steve Paston/PA Wire. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Having never watched or had any interesting in the sport other than previously watching ‘Bullseye’ TV show in the either the late 80s early 90s on ITV as a kid. I didn’t know who any of the big players were, how the scoring worked with legs, sets or when “Bully’s Star Prize would come out!
From the period of 2008 – 2014 I cover the tournament in its entirety from every round and every throw of the dart be it majority sat in the press room eating chocolate biscuit or surfing the web ‘I mean editing my pictures to send out of course’ for Action Images. From 2015 to the present now as a freelancer I only cover about half the tournament spread over several days for the Press Association and previous for Backpage Images and also covered a day for PDC as there official photographer Laurence Lustig was unable to cover that day in 2016. I guess after covering 7 tournament I do deserve to get to some daylight in November or the lack of it before 4pm sunset is for a couple of days. Cover other sporting events such as the busy Christmas football fixtures list.
Darts – 2009 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 4/1/09 Phil Taylor celebrates winning the final Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – 2011 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 21/12/10 Michael van Gerwen in action during his first round match Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 30/12/14 General view of a hat made up by darts flights during the third round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – 2011 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 3/1/11 Adrian Lewis celebrates with the trophy after winning the Final Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 27/12/14 Benito van de Pas celebrates winning his second round match Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 4/1/15 General view of the Sid Waddell Trophy before the final Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
General view during the 2nd round during day nine of the William Hill PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. Photo. Picture date: Sunday December 27, 2015. Steve Paston/PDC
Dimitri Van den Bergh dancing during the walk on in the 2nd round match during day nine of the William Hill PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. Photo. Picture date: Sunday December 27, 2015. Steve Paston/PDC
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 1/01/15 Peter Wright after losing in the quarter finals Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 1/01/15 General view of Peter Wright’s trousers throughout the tournament (From L-R 1st, 2nd, 3rd Rounds and Quarter final) Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Phil Taylor reacting during day fifteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday January 1, 2018. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Darts – 2011 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 30/12/10 Terry Jenkins in action during his third round match Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Michael van Gerwen celebrates winning with Sid Waddell trophy during day fifteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday January 2, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 30/12/14 Raymond van Barneveld celebrates victory in the third round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Michael van Gerwen celebrates winning with Sid Waddell trophy during day fifteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday January 2, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Darts – 2012 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 21/12/11 Simon Whitlock plays during the first round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – 2009 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 27/12/08 Wayne Mardle before the start of his second round match Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Rob Cross celebrates with the trophy after winning the final during day fifteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday January 1, 2018. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Darts – 2011 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 29/12/10 Peter Wright in action during his third round match Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Michael van Gerwen celebrates winning against Gary Anderson during day fifteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday January 2, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Darts – 2011 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 3/1/11 Adrian Lewis celebrates with the trophy after winning the Final Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – 2009 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 4/1/09 Phil Taylor celebrates with the trophy after victory in the final Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston
Darts – 2013 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 23/12/12 Peter Wright during his second round match Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 2/1/15 Phil Taylor reacting after winning a set during the Quarter Final Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Phil Taylor (Editor note taken using in camera multiple exposure affect) in action during the 1st round match during day three of the William Hill PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday December 19, 2015. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steve Paston/PA Wire. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 29/12/14 General view of a dancer during the third round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Rob Cross poses with the trophy during day fifteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday January 1, 2018. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Gary Anderson celebrates with the Sid Waddell trophy after winning the final during day fifteen of the William Hill PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday January 3, 2016. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steve Paston/PA Wire. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Rob Cross celebrates with the trophy after winning the final during day fifteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday January 1, 2018. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Darts – 2013 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 27/12/12 General view of oche girls Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 30/12/14 General view of Adrian Lewis during the walk on in the third round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 30/12/14 Raymond van Barneveld celebrates winning against Adrian Lewis in the third round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Phil Taylor reacting to the crowd after losing in the final as retires during day fifteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday January 1, 2018. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Looking back though my extensive archive of 8,000 images for this post from when I starting shooting darts in 2008 up the present. I’ve see not only my own person development in coverage, where I focused on the action in the early years before expanding my content to include more of the sporting personalities in attendance watching. From footballers, boxers, snooker players, actors and the odd royal to two. Heading into the fans village and showing the venue full of fans and of course the Ally Pally as building in all kinds on weather conditions.
Golfer Danny Willett and his wife Nicole watching the darts during day ten of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday December 27, 2016. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 4/1/15 Boxer Anthony Joshua watches from the crowd Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Golfer Andrew Johnston watches Phil Taylor play during day ten of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday December 23, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Darts – 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 01/01/14 Boxer Carl Froch and wife Rachael Cordingley watch during the final Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
General view of the fans wearing masks of the Royal family in the 3rd round match
Darts – 2013 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 14/12/12 Snooker player Mark Selby (R) and his wife Vikki in the crowd Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Actor David Harewood watches during day twelve of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday December 28, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Golfer Lee Westwood during day four of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday December 18, 2016. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Tottehham Hotspur Christian Eriksen watches during day one of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday December 14, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Darts – 2012 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 2/1/12 England’s Mike Tindall (L) and Zara Phillips watch the final Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 29/12/14 HRH Prince Harry watches during the second round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – 2011 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 2/1/11 HRH Prince Harry (C) during the darts Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 01/01/14 Snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan and his son watch during the final Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 23/12/14 Presenter Colin Murray in fancy dress watching in the first round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Not forgetting the most important aspect of the tournament being the 3,500 people inside and there involvement with fans dressing up in fancy dress from the basis outfit all the up to full on costume themes. The songs about players the crowds sing for different matches to the banter between those who sit at the tables and those in the terrace sitting. Lastly the oche girls that escort the players to the oche during the walk on before each of the matches. More recently while working for the Press Association, William Hill is a client and therefore needs to be photographed as part of the brief we provide, I just can’t quite find the reason for my extensive coverage for the previous 7 years while working for Action Images other then for myself!
General view of fans in fancy dress during day four of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday December 18, 2016. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Fans in fancy dress while watching the darts
General view of fan dressed as a Stormtrooperr during day two of the William Hill PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday December 18, 2015. See PA story DARTS London. Photo credit should read: Steve Paston/PA Wire. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
General view of fans in fancy dress during day twelve of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday December 28, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Fans wearing José Mourinho mask during the semi final match during day fourteen of the William Hill PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday January 2, 2016. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steve Paston/PA Wire. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 1/01/15 Fans in fancy dress during the quarter finals Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
General view of fans dressed as President of the United States Donald Trump and leader of North Korea Kim Jong-un during day three of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday December 16, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Fans in fancy dress arriving ahead of day ten of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday December 23, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Darts – 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 14/12/13 General view of fan in fancy dress during the first round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 20/12/14 General view of fans in fancy dress outside Alexandra Palace Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – 2013 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 29/12/12 General view of fans Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 20/12/14 General view of fans in fancy dress outside Alexandra Palace Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
General view of spectators in fancy dress arriving before the start of the William Hill World Darts Championship
General view of fans dressed up a Stormtroopers during the 1st round match
General view of fans in fancy dress ahead of day nine of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday December 22, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
General view of fan dressed as turkey being escorted out of the venue during day three of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday December 16, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Darts – 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 14/12/13 General view of fans in fancy dress outside of Alexandra Palace Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
General view of fans in fancy dress during day fourteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday January 1, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Fans in fancy dress arriving ahead of day ten of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday December 23, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Fans in fancy dress outside Alexandra Palace during day ten of the William Hill PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday December 28, 2015. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steve Paston/PA Wire. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
General view of fans in fancy dress during of day fifteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday January 2, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
With all sporting events it’s also the TV broadcaster and the increase in viewership that as also risen and expanded over the years from Sky Sport coverage even creating it’s own channel to broadcast the event. For a sport that’s ‘field of play’ is only about 8ft long from player to dartboard and standing still, Sky Sport does have every possible camera position covered. From mounted camera overhead looking down, behind the players focus of the board, side on, looking back towards the players, swinging boom arms and roaming cameras in the crowds. For a short time SKY Sport also used 3D cameras which must have been great the TV viewer but not so great for us photographers with less space to work around. Considering we only have about 3 different official position to work from. To finally the prize money ever increasingly becoming larger and the internationally press coverage that follows with it.
Darts – 2013 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 30/12/12 Phil Taylor (L) and Raymond van Barneveld during their semi final match Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
A spectators invades the oche and lift up the Sid Waddell trophy as Michael van Gerwen watches on during day fifteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday January 2, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Darts – 2013 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 29/12/12 Michael van Gerwen before his quarter final match Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 27/12/14 Peter Wright during the walk on in the second round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 22/12/13 General view of an oche girl during the walk on in the second round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – 2013 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 1/1/13 Phil Taylor reacts as Michael van Gerwen (L) looks on during the final Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 30/12/13 General view of Simon Whitlock during the walk on in the semi finals Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Phil Taylor celebrates after winning against Jamie Lewis during day fourteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday December 30, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
A ache girl during the walk on during day twelve of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday December 28, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Darts – 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 28/12/13 General view of signs during the third round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – 2013 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 1/1/13 Phil Taylor celebrates with the Sid Waddell Trophy after winning in the final Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
A spectators invades the oche and lift up the Sid Waddell trophy as Michael van Gerwen watches on during day fifteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday January 2, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Darts – 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 01/01/14 General view of the venue before the final Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 27/12/13 Mark Webster celebrates winning against Raymond van Barneveld in the third round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Rob Cross in action during day fourteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday December 30, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Darts – 2009 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 20/12/08 Michael Van Gerwen during the first round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – 2013 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 29/12/12 Michael van Gerwen (L) celebrates winning his quarter final match against Adrian Lewis (R) Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Phil Taylor reacting during day fifteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday January 1, 2018. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Michael Smith reacting during the walk on during day ten of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday December 23, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Phil Taylor in action during day ten of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday December 23, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Darts – 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 21/12/13 A dancer during the second round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Phil Taylor reacting during day fourteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday December 30, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use.
Darts – 2013 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 1/1/13 General view as Phil Taylor (C) walks in Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 4/1/15 Gary Anderson celebrates with the Sid Waddell trophy after winning the World Darts Championship Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – 2013 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 28/12/12 General view of the dancers before the quarter final match Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
General view of the Sid Waddell trophy ahead of day fifteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday January 2, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Phil Taylor in action during day four of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday December 18, 2016. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Philt Taylor during the walk on during day twelve of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday December 29, 2016. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Peter Wright during the walk on during day fourteen of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday January 1, 2017. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only. No commercial use. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further information.
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 4/1/15 General view of the Sid Waddell Trophy before the final Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – William Hill World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 27/12/14 General view of the Oche girls during the walk on in the second round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 20/12/13 Michael Smith celebrates his win against Phil Taylor (not pictured) in the second round Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Darts – 2013 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace, London – 30/12/12 Phil Taylor celebrates winning his semi final match Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic
This brings us up the present and this years tournament still continues to bring surprises with previous winners and finalist going out in the early rounds. Jamie Lewis who came from the qualifiers into the preliminary round all the way the semi final. From the current world dart champion Michael van Gerwen taking his semi final match all the way to end at 5-5 in sets and to 5-5 in legs to the sudden death leg to lose to Rob Cross that finished just after midnight. Who in his debut year in the PDC went on to defeat Phil Taylor ‘who would be retiring after this tournament after a 30 year career, 16 world titles to his name as well countless other titles wins’ in the final 7-2 to win his 1st title.
So this wraps up a decade of my professional sport photography career at the oche for me and my testimonial, perhaps the powers that be at the PDC for next years tournament I may get wide card entry to complete. If it could happen to Rob Cross on his debut year at this years World Darts Championship. It could quite possible be me in 2019! If not the case here’s to another decade at the Oche at Ally Pally, I would not have it any other way.
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