
World Matchplay Darts DELAYED by power cut as arena left in darkness during walk-ons for first game of the evening
THROW IN THE DARK World Matchplay Darts DELAYED by power cut as arena left in darkness during walk-ons for first game of the evening
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
THE World Matchplay Darts was plunged into darkness after a power cut caused delays at the Winter Gardens venue.
Fans had to wait for the lights to come on before the highly-anticipated tournament could get underway after already seeing the first match delayed by 15 minutes.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
2
The crowd behind James Wade was plunged into darkness after a power cut hit the World Matchplay Darts in Blackpool
Credit: Sky Sports
James Wade and Joe Cullen were due to play out the tournament's curtain raiser at 7:10pm, but were delayed in their walkouts for some 15 minutes.
And things went even further awry when the lights inside the arena cut out as Wade took to the stage.
Fortunately for the World No8, the stage lights remained on so that he could see where he was going.
But those in the crowd in Blackpool were sat in darkness after a local power cut had caused the chaos.
READ MORE IN DARTS
LEW CAN DO IT Two-time world champ, 40, to make emotional darts return after over 2yrs away
Fans watching at home couldn't believe their eyes when they saw the incident unfold live on Sky Sports.
And one even joked: "Put 50p in the meter".
When the action did get back underway it was Wade who kept his cool to ensure a victory and a place in the second round.
The Machine breezed past Cullen 10-3, putting up a superb average of 104.44 - his highest in 10 years at Winter Gardens.
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
Wade, who is making his 20th consecutive World Matchplay appearance, spoke after the match about how much playing in Blackpool means to him.
He said: "Bloody hell, I've won tournaments with less than that [104.44 average].
Darts legend Bobby George sends stark message to Luke Littler as he warns sensation he can 'go from hero to zero quick'
"It is what it is. They [the fans at Winter Gardens] are all interested in darts. They're all listening, they're all watching and that's what makes Blackpool magical.
"Everyone is interested in darts. Some of the other venues you don't get that interaction, but here it's great. I'm very excited to be back here".

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scottish Sun
17 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Millions of Sky Sports fans warned over huge change to their TV subscription starting today
More surprise channel changes expected in the coming weeks, viewers urged to stay alert GOOD SPORT Millions of Sky Sports fans warned over huge change to their TV subscription starting today Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of Sky Sports viewers are being urged to check their TV guides today as a major reshuffle hits the channel line-up. The shake-up hits customers across the UK and Ireland from today, July 28, with rebrands, renames and major channel moves across Sky's satellite, Glass and Stream services. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Viewers are now being urged to recheck their guides to avoid missing any major sporting events or live matches Credit: AFP 3 The broadcaster routinely makes changes to its channel line-up, particularly to reflect seasonal sports coverage or temporary promotions Credit: Getty Sky has confirmed that Sky Sports The Lions (Satellite 408/865 – Sky Glass/Stream 408) will revert to its original name, Sky Sports Action/Sky Sports Action HD, after a temporary rebrand. Sky 2025 Recap (Satellite 302 – Sky Glass/Stream 302) will also be temporarily renamed Favourites HD. Meanwhile, a wide reshuffle of the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) will see many popular channels move to new positions. In the UK on satellite, Sky Sports+ HD is moving from 412 to 404. The broadcaster routinely makes changes to its channel line-up, particularly to reflect seasonal sports coverage or temporary promotions. Earlier this year, Sky Fantasy was reverted back to Sky Family (Satellite 306/850 – Sky Glass/Stream 306) after a seasonal rebrand. Sky Hits HD (Satellite 303 – Sky Glass/Stream 303) was renamed Sky Originals HD, and Sky Superheroes (Satellite 302 – Sky Glass/Stream 302) switched to Sky 5* Movies HD. In previous reshuffles, several fan favourites have also disappeared completely. Eurosport channels were removed as their content merged with TNT Sports. Pop Max, a children's channel, and Sky History +1 have also been axed. Fans were left disappointed when ITVBe was dropped in June, although many of its popular reality shows have since moved to a new home. Virgin Media recently axed several of its legacy music and entertainment channels as it prioritises on-demand content. Fans say 'you can't pretend it isn't rigged' as Carabao Cup draw hands out play-off final repeat Customers were surprised when Virgin's Comedy Central Extra and MTV Base were quietly removed from the line-up. Freeview has also caused frustration after dropping BBC News HD in some regions, and reducing coverage of channels like Forces TV and PBS America. ITV made waves when it merged its standalone channels like CITV into its new streaming service ITVX, effectively removing the long-standing kids' channel from live schedules. Viewers are now being urged to recheck their guides to avoid missing any major sporting events or live matches. More channel closures 'inevitable' An industry expert told The Sun that more channel closures are likely in 2025 and beyond. "This is inevitable, more broadcasters will cull broadcast/linear TV channels as viewers are flocking to streaming services," Paolo Pescatore from PP Foresight said. "The big TV switch off is around the corner, with all programming set to be delivered via the internet. "Viewers are now spoilt for choice with how and where they watch the TV shows they love across a range of connected devices. "To respond, broadcasters need to be prepared and work more closely with telecom providers to ensure a seamless experience for users." Image credit: Getty


The Sun
17 minutes ago
- The Sun
Millions of Sky Sports fans warned over huge change to their TV subscription starting today
MILLIONS of Sky Sports viewers are being urged to check their TV guides today as a major reshuffle hits the channel line-up. The shake-up hits customers across the UK and Ireland from today, July 28, with rebrands, renames and major channel moves across Sky's satellite, Glass and Stream services. 3 Sky has confirmed that Sky Sports The Lions (Satellite 408/865 – Sky Glass/Stream 408) will revert to its original name, Sky Sports Action/ Sky Sports Action HD, after a temporary rebrand. Sky 2025 Recap (Satellite 302 – Sky Glass/Stream 302) will also be temporarily renamed Favourites HD. Meanwhile, a wide reshuffle of the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) will see many popular channels move to new positions. In the UK on satellite, Sky Sports+ HD is moving from 412 to 404. The broadcaster routinely makes changes to its channel line-up, particularly to reflect seasonal sports coverage or temporary promotions. Earlier this year, Sky Fantasy was reverted back to Sky Family (Satellite 306/850 – Sky Glass/Stream 306) after a seasonal rebrand. Sky Hits HD (Satellite 303 – Sky Glass/Stream 303) was renamed Sky Originals HD, and Sky Superheroes (Satellite 302 – Sky Glass/Stream 302) switched to Sky 5* Movies HD. In previous reshuffles, several fan favourites have also disappeared completely. Eurosport channels were removed as their content merged with TNT Sports. Pop Max, a children's channel, and Sky History +1 have also been axed. Fans were left disappointed when ITVBe was dropped in June, although many of its popular reality shows have since moved to a new home. Virgin Media recently axed several of its legacy music and entertainment channels as it prioritises on-demand content. Fans say 'you can't pretend it isn't rigged' as Carabao Cup draw hands out play-off final repeat Customers were surprised when Virgin's Comedy Central Extra and MTV Base were quietly removed from the line-up. Freeview has also caused frustration after dropping BBC News HD in some regions, and reducing coverage of channels like Forces TV and PBS America. ITV made waves when it merged its standalone channels like CITV into its new streaming service ITVX, effectively removing the long-standing kids' channel from live schedules. Viewers are now being urged to recheck their guides to avoid missing any major sporting events or live matches. More channel closures 'inevitable' An industry expert told The Sun that more channel closures are likely in 2025 and beyond. "This is inevitable, more broadcasters will cull broadcast/linear TV channels as viewers are flocking to streaming services," Paolo Pescatore from PP Foresight said. "The big TV switch off is around the corner, with all programming set to be delivered via the internet. "Viewers are now spoilt for choice with how and where they watch the TV shows they love across a range of connected devices. "To respond, broadcasters need to be prepared and work more closely with telecom providers to ensure a seamless experience for users." Image credit: Getty 3


Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Aberdeen ‘open signing talks with AC Milan as they plot transfer swoop for striker'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ABERDEEN have opened talks with Euro giants AC Milan for striker Marko Lazetic. The Serie A giants are willing to sell the player, who has a year left on his contract at the San Siro. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Marko Lazetic in training for AC Milan Futuro last week Credit: Getty 3 Lazetic spent last season on loan at Fortuna Sittard in the Netherlands Credit: Getty The Dons were interested in the Serbian under-21 international last season but a deal never came to fruition. Lazetic, 21, has made two appearances for Milan since signing from Red Star Belgrade in 2021 - one in the league and another in the cup. He had progressed through Red Star's academy and played 17 times for the club before joining Milan, scoring once. Lazetic stands at six feet four inches tall and spent the whole of last season on loan at TSC back in his homeland, hitting the net three times in 43 total appearances. He was loaned to Fortuna Sittard in the Eredivisie the year before and had a loan stint at Rheindorf Altach in the Austrian Bundesliga prior to that. According to Sky Sports, Ialian giants Milan are considering selling the forward to the Dons with a sell-on clause attached. Lazetic has been primarily attached to Milan's development squad and was pictured in training with them last week. Two of his uncles were professional footballers, with Nikola Lazetic picking up 25 caps for Serbia and Montenegro and is now president of the Serbian FC. Zarko Lazetic played over 250 games for clubs in Serbia, Greece and Indonesia before becoming a manager, and he is currently in charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. Aberdeen lost 3-1 to Ipswich Town in a friendly on Friday night, the club's final pre-season outing before the return of Premiership football. Eric Black on losing love for football & the ex-Celtic star who's the best he's ever seen The Dons kick off their league campaign against Hearts next Monday night in a Tynecastle prime time clash. Aberdeen will also take part in the Europa League and/or Europa Conference League this coming season, depending on how their play-off tie goes. With his team set to compete on four fronts, Thelin hopes to add more players to his squad but is backing his current crop to stand up to the task. He said: 'Of course we're trying to change some parts and add some qualities. 'Again, as I said before, we have this vision for these three years. 'We know what we want to be in three years and now we're in the second season. 'We're still building and trying to get the team in the direction we want it to look like after three years, so nothing has changed in one way. 'It's a small change, how we want to look, how we want to grow and which qualities and capacity we want in the team.' 3 Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page