Latest news with #MikeDeDecker
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Darts star, 50, claims his wife has cost him thousands by rejecting walk-on song and rival has taken advantage
DARTS star Jonny Clayton has joked his wife has cost him thousands of pounds during his career. The Ferret is ranked No5 in the world and he has won four majors. 2 2 He reached the World Cup final this month alongside Gerwyn Price for Wales, yet has been overlooked for Premier League Darts in the last two years. Clayton, 50, joked it is because he chose the wrong walk-on song thanks to some questionable advice from his wife Ellen. He said on the Tops and Tales podcast: 'Well, right, you could believe this or not, but I think Ellen, my wife, has cost me thousands in the Premier League because the walk-on song I wanted was Mr. Brightside. 'Serious to God. So I blame Ellen. Yeah, it was Mr Brightside, and she said, 'No, I think something else. I don't think that would be good.' 'So it's her fault. So yeah, that's true. Mr Brightside.' The song has instead been adopted by Clayton's rival, Nathan Aspinall. It has proved immensely popular at venues around Europe with some players claiming it has helped him get picked for the Premier League. Clayton revealed he has spoken about the song with Aspinall, saying: 'I have told Nathan. Yeah, he just laughs. He goes, 'Thank you, Ellen.'' Darts stars Dave Chisnall and Mike De Decker were vocal in their criticism of this year's Premier League Darts selection. De Decker shared a post which read: "Mike De Decker becomes the first player in the 20-year history of the Premier League to win a major televised on Sky Sports and not be selected. Sickening." Nathan Aspinall hailed for classy interview after winning Darts Premier League Chisnall did not hold back either, making it clear that he felt some players may have been picked for more than just their results at the oche. He said: "The Premier League line-up was hardly surprising this week, but you'd have to be gutted if you were someone like a Mike de Decker or Damon Heta. "I never expected to get a phone call – despite being World No.6 – because of how poor I've been on TV this year. "But Mike can feel let down after his great run at The Grand Prix. Maybe being No.24 in the world counted against him. "Nathan and Gerwyn can both feel a bit lucky in my opinion to be involved this year. "Gezzy has had a lot going and struggled in 2024, whilst Nathan has done similarly. "His run to the quarter-finals of the Worlds probably got him involved, that and everyone loving his Mr Brightside theme song. "It's a great entrance, but it should be about the darts, and not your walk-on that gets you involved in these big competitions. "Nothing against them personally, as both great lads and get on well with, but it should be about your actions on the dartboard, not on a song and a dance. "Damo [Heta] is another who I think can feel unlucky, whilst it's good to see Chris Dobey and Steven Bunting rewarded with a spot. "It seems like something of a changing of the guard with no Michael Smith and no Peter Wright."
Daily Record
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Chilling and disgusting abuse aimed at World Grand Prix darts champion as he goes public over sickening taunts
Belgian star latest top star to be hit by keyboard grief Mike De Decker has been subjected to chilling and disgusting social-media abuse following a defeat at the Players Championship. The Belgian star became the latest in a line of darts and sporting stars to be hit by unacceptable messages on various online platforms. In an article in it is written that De Decker shared some of the posts with some appeared to be linking to betting as he responded 'bye bye' to one which stated they have to kill themselves after losing 20k. Another wrote: You're a fraudster, I hope some (one) kills you, you don't deserve to be on earth. In another post, De Decker was subjected to an individual reportedly wishing cancer on him after the loss to German Dominik Gruellich. The World Grand Prix champion is the latest in a line of stars who have been upset at comments which have rained upon them. Premier League stars spoke openly about abuse and grief which was dished out to them during the campaign. Ironically, it was the exclusion of individuals such as De Deck and the inclusion of Nathan Aspinall and Gerwyn Price in the eight-man showpiece that brought a raft of stuck towards the Stockport slinger. He later reflected on the difficulties of the sniping and said: 'I'm not going to lie, it was s**t, it was hard, it was horrific, I came off social media because of the abuse I was getting. I'm not being exaggerated here, but it ruined my life for a month, not just my life, my family's, it was horrific. 'But I'm a professional sportsman, you've got to deal with it and I put things in place to deal with that. I think me and Gezzy have both received the same treatment and we've used it to our advantage.' World No.1 Luke Humphries is another who hit at social-media stick after facing a backlash earlier for honest opinions. He said: 'Considering the comments, people not understanding what I meant, [this] will be the last time I ever confess my real feelings to the public. Everything I ever say or do just never seems to be good enough for anybody. As long as no-one complains when we all give the same answers in interviews like robots and not our true feelings. Then everyone I guess will be happy, or as usual will still find a way to moan at us.' Latvian Madars Razma also pleaded for it to stop as he said on Facebook: 'I never thought that I would have to do this, but keyboard warriors keep commenting my performance and results in darts and it really kills. I know there always will be some idiots, but I hope that after this, someone will stop doing it. 'I know that in the last few months I have been far from the performance I can and I want to show. But I have my own reasons why I don't respond to your messages and decline all interviews. Just a few days before the start of the season uninvited guests came to my family's new house.'
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
World Cup of Darts 2025 LIVE RESULTS: Luke Littler and Luke Humphries STUNNED by Germany in shock loss
THE World Cup of Darts is underway - but Luke Littler and Luke Humphries have been stunningly KNOCKED OUT by Germany. Defending champions England - with World No 1 Humphries and world champ Littler - lost 8-4 to the hosts. Elsewhere, Belgian pair Mike De Decker and Dimitri Van den Bergh were BEATEN by the Philippines, as they fought back from 3-0 down to dump Belgium out 4-3. Netherlands duo Danny Nopper and Gian van Veen looked impressive again, as they dismantled Hungary 4-0, in their quest for a fifth star.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
World Cup of Darts 2025 LIVE RESULTS: Action ON NOW with England's Luke Littler and Humphries face Germany
THE World Cup of Darts is underway in Frankfurt as day three unfolds in this mouthwatering tournament! Defending champions England are finally in action today, as Luke Humphries and Luke Littler take on home favourites Germany in the second round of the competition. Belgian pair Mike De Decker and Dimitri Van den Bergh were BEATEN by the Philippines, as they fought back from 3-0 down to dump Belgium out 4-3. Netherlands duo Danny Nopper and Gian van Veen looked impressive again, as they dismantled Hungary 4-0, in their quest for a fifth star. 12th Jun 2025, 17:40 By Laurence Ryan World Cup of Darts format The top four ranking nations, based on the lowest cumulative PDC Order of Merit ranking of the two players, will be seeded and begin their campaigns in the second round. England, along with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, are the four seeded nations at this year's tournament. The 36 other teams are split into 12 groups of three for the round-robin phase, from which each group winner will progress. Each group will contain one seeded nation that is outside the top four, who progress automatically. The four seeded nations will be pre-allocated into the draw for the last-16, with the 12 group winners drawn at random. The second round will take place across two sessions on Saturday, followed by a blockbuster Finals Day on Sunday, which will feature the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. 12th Jun 2025, 17:30 By Laurence Ryan Welsh Warriors England are the favourites, but Wales pair Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton are 'ready to do damage' at this year's World Cup of Darts. Speaking to BBC Sport Wales, Clayton said: "All the talk is about the two Lukes, but I'm sure me and Gez can do something about that," said Clayton. "Gezzy is a great front runner and I think I'm a pretty good number two, so we click as a team. "Hopefully we will do some damage this year. If we can lift that trophy for a third time it'd be great." 12th Jun 2025, 17:20 By Laurence Ryan Darts Dollars Should Littler and Humphries go all the way, they will receive a huge pot of prize money. Here is the breakdown of the World Cup of Darts prize money below: Winners - £80,000 Runners-up - £50,000 Semi-final losers - £30,000 Quarter-final losers - £20,000 Last 16 losers - £9,000 Second in group - £5,000 Third in group - £4,000 Total - £450,000 12th Jun 2025, 17:10 By Laurence Ryan Double dose of Luke Teen sensation Luke Littler and Premier League winner Luke Humphries are undoubtedly the favourites. And they'll be determined to retain England's title from last year's 10-6 win against Austria. By Laurence Ryan Welcome to SunSport's coverage of the World Cup of Darts Darts lovers will have something to cheer about over the next four days as the World Cup of Darts gets underway today - and we'll be all over it! The men's England football team failed to bring it home during the Euro 2024, but Luke Humphries and Michael Smith made the nation proud in last year's World Cup of Darts. A combination of composure and superb throwing saw Cool Hand and Bully Boy beat their Austrian opponents 10-6 in an epic final. And it was a result that wrote England's name in the history books as they now hold the record for the most amount of wins in the iconic competition with five. Sadly for Smith, his world ranking positioning means he will miss out on the chance to retain back-to-back titles. However, he has a more than capable replacement of 2024 Premier League winner and teen millionaire, Luke Littler. Welsh stars Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price will pose a huge threat to England's title, and Gary Anderson and Peter Wright should also fancy themselves. But as for the Netherlands, they have suffered a massive blow to their chances with Michael van Gerwen pulling out of all upcoming tournaments due to his split with wife Daphne.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
World Cup of Darts 2025 LIVE RESULTS: Action ON NOW as England's Luke Littler and Humphries face Germany
THE World Cup of Darts is well underway in Frankfurt as day three unfolds in this mouthwatering tournament! Defending champions England will finally be in action today, as Luke Humphries and Luke Littler take on home favourites Germany in the second round of the competition. Belgian pair Mike De Decker and Dimitri Van den Bergh were BEATEN by the Philippines, as they fought back from 3-0 down to dump Belgium out 4-3. Netherlands duo Danny Nopper and Gian van Veen looked impressive again, as they dismantled Hungary 4-0, in their quest for a fifth star. just now By Craig Mahood Czechia are through to tomorrow's quarter finals! Malaysia 3-8 Czechia The Czech duo DO get over the line this time and it's a convincing result in the end. Malaysia just left themselves too much to do but Karel Sedlacek's individual display was stunning. His set-up left 32 and his partner comes in to take it out. They'll face Scotland or the Netherlands tomorrow! 5 minutes ago By Craig Mahood Malaysia 3-7 Czechia This match should be over - but it's just getting a LITTLE edgy.... Another on the board for Malaysia who make a bit of a hash of the 56 remaining when single 8 hit instead of 16. But that's followed by single 16 and then D16 and they've closed the gap to four. Czechia just struggling to get over the line so far.... 8 minutes ago By Craig Mahood Malaysia 2-7 Czechia Match darts come and go for Czechia and it's Malaysia with the break of throw to get a second leg on the board! Petr Krivka comes to the board needing 60 for the win and misses the BOARD altogether. He hits 20 and just misses D20, leaving Malaysia - who hit a 180 and were the width of the wire away from a 121 checkout - come back for D8 and pin it first time. 12 minutes ago By Craig Mahood Malaysia 1-7 Czechia Karel Sedlacek is a different class up there at the minute and another terrific check out of 66 secures a break of throw. His partner's 140 set up the 66 when it looked like Malaysia had a grip of the leg in the scoring. Sedlacek left himself one dart at D20 and pinned it. 15 minutes ago By Craig Mahood Malaysia 1-6 Czechia At the interval and it's a dominant display from Czechia so far, racing into a 6-1 lead. They've had 13 missed darts at a double and STILL averaging 88.91! They're just two legs from the quarter finals! 25 minutes ago By Kealan Hughes De Decker shares Belgium apology Mike De Decker has apologised to fans after Belgium were surprisingly knocked out of the World Cup. He said: "Well done to the Philippines! So sorry to everyone supporting us. "Felt nervous throughout that game and couldn't settle down." Today, 11:52 By Kealan Hughes Luke's sent warning by rivals German duo Ricardo Pietreczko and Martin Schindler have warned England's MBE heroes they won't be treated like royalty in Frankfurt. Schindler said: 'I think the fans are going to play a major role in that. If we are going to play against bigger nations, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Netherlands or whoever, there are so many good names in it right now. "I think this probably is the best World Cup to be in and we are very happy about the support we are getting from the fans.' Pietreczko said: 'I think it was a very funny game against both Lukes, because Luke Littler says never come back to Germany.' Today, 11:03 By Kealan Hughes Aussies fear no team Damon Heta has claimed other players are scared of Australia at the World Cup. He and Simon Whitlock have made a promising start to the tournament, winning both of their matches so far. After beating last year's finalists Austria 4-1, Heta said: 'We didn't feel any pressure — this is just a darts tournament. 'I think the other countries are more scared of us than we are of them.' Today, 10:28 By Kealan Hughes Humphries on MBE "I feel really good about it, it's obviously something that was very unexpected. "When I got the letter, I kind of couldn't believe when I opened it and it's a very proud moment. "My mum and dad are obviously incredibly proud as well. Their son's obviously getting an MBE, which is quite a feat, to be honest. "It usually happens later on in people's careers, but it's happened in mine pretty early. I feel pretty blessed, to be honest, I'm fortunate enough to get one. "My girlfriend and my son will be very, very proud, especially my son. When he grows up and understands what it means, I'm sure he'd be very, very proud." Today, 09:55 By Kealan Hughes Humphries on Littler rivalry "It's something that me and Luke have really done together. "I know he's done it on a much bigger scale, and from a younger generational part of it, but I think him having someone that can compete with him, compete against him and push him all the way, it's made it really exciting for the sport. "I think that's grown so many new fans. Everyone's talking about darts now, and I think that we're two of the pioneering parts of that. "We've changed the face of darts over the last couple of years. It's starting to become a younger man's game. It's nice to be at the forefront of that." Today, 09:16 By Kealan Hughes Littler reflects on MBE award Luke Littler and Luke Humphries have been given MBEs through their services to darts. Still only 18, Littler has shared his thoughts on the career milestone. He said: "I'm very happy for myself. I didn't think I'd ever receive one. "For myself and what I've done, it's unbelievable and for my sport. "I'm happy, my family is happy, and I can't wait to receive it. "This award that we've got, it doesn't come very often. Like we've said, we're the sixth and seventh darts players that have ever received one. "For myself, like we've said, so early in our careers, but what I've done for myself, opened up my own darts academy, seeing the younger generation come up, it's a massive boost for us two coming into the World Cup this weekend." Today, 09:00 By Craig Mahood Good morning darts fans Some huge drama last night as the group stages came to a close. Belgium were dumped out incredibly despite being 3-0 up and somehow losing their tie against the Philippines. South Africa went through without even PLAYING, all before Argentina won the final match in a decider to sneak through. And Luke Humphries and Luke Littler were last night awarded an MBE for services to darts - before being handed a tricky second round tie against hosts Germany! Here's today's draw: England vs Germany Argentina vs Australia Northern Ireland vs South Africa Switzerland vs Ireland Wales vs Philippines Hong Kong vs Sweden Scotland vs Netherlands Malaysia vs Czechia Today, 08:00 By Craig Mahood Change to the format We're now looking at longer matches now we're in knockout mode. The first to 4 has now gone - and it's now a first to 8 at this last-16 stage. Remaining format: Second Round - Best of 15 legs Quarter-Finals - Best of 15 legs Semi-Finals - Best of 15 legs Final - Best of 19 legs Today, 06:45 By Craig Mahood Darts Dollars The remaining 16 teams have already bagged themselves a share of £9,000 for reaching the last-16. Here is the breakdown of the World Cup of Darts prize money below: Winners - £80,000 Runners-up - £50,000 Semi-final losers - £30,000 Quarter-final losers - £20,000 Last 16 losers - £9,000 Second in group - £5,000 Third in group - £4,000 Total - £450,000 Today, 05:30 By Craig Mahood 'Won't click' Peter Wright reckons the Luke & Luke combination "won't click" for England. The Scot told BBC Sport Scotland: "Look at the amount of really good England teams that have been paired up and they haven't clicked, like James Wade and Phil Taylor. "Littler is a fantastic player, a worthy world champion and all the other titles he has won, fantastic, but he is going up there playing pairs. "I know he played as a youth for England, but whether he can do it in the seniors, I don't know. They might go out and bash everybody up, but I am thinking they won't click."
