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Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Superstar Silsden racer and mother admits UK triumph 'still feels very surreal'
HAVING not long given birth to her first child Harry, it is no surprise that Silsden stock car superstar Phoebe Wainman-Hawkins did not really believe she stood a chance of winning the UK Open last month. But she held her nerve in Skegness to claim the first F1 final win of her career, a moment she will treasure, given she knows racing will never quite be the same again for her. The 29-year-old told the Keighley News: 'I've had a very long career, I've been racing for about 15 years, so when I fell pregnant, I expected that my best years were behind me. 'So, to then go out and race for the first time after having Harry and win a championship, it still feels very surreal. 'I never thought I'd be able to do that after having him.' Asked if she had made peace with that prospect in her head before Skegness, she said: 'It was a little hard to accept. 'But my husband (fellow racer Karl Hawkins) and I were planning on having Harry last year anyway, so he was definitely wanted. 'But it was tough for me to come to terms with putting that huge part of my life on pause, and I don't think I'll ever get back the way I was before I gave birth, because you don't have the time. 'Before I had Harry, I'd be in the garage most nights until late working on the car, and you obviously can't do that with a young baby. Phoebe Wainman-Hawkins is having to get used her racing career looking different now she has baby Harry, who she took with her to Skegness. (Image: Colin Casserley) 'It's not possible for me to go back to racing full-time, so it has all been a little bittersweet.' Harry has very much been his mum's priority since she gave birth to him eight months ago, so she was not expecting to be competing for the UK Open title at all on May 11. Asked when she felt she could be a genuine contender for the crown, she said: 'There definitely wasn't any moment I believed that before I went to Skegness. 'I probably only had the realisation that it was my race to lose when the board came out telling me there were five laps to go. 'That was the moment where I thought, 'oh my god, I could possibly win this', because even when I took the halfway flag, I just felt something was going to happen, someone was going to catch me. 'Never in a million years did I think I was going to be leading for the duration of the race.' Phoebe Wainman-Hawkins (car 211) was in command during the UK Open final at Skegness, but she still didn't believe she could win it for much of the race. (Image: Colin Casserley) Wainman-Hawkins has long been used to being the lone female competitor in a field of men, but being a new mother as well makes this achievement even more remarkable. Asked if her success could give other talented sportswomen hope that a great sporting career can still lie ahead after becoming a mum, she said: 'I don't think anyone expected me to do what I did in Skegness, even before having Harry. 'But it's something women and mothers can look at and realise their whole life doesn't have to change just because they've had a baby. 'It's fantastic because I remember I had those little doubts about my racing career never being the same after I had Harry, but me going and winning the UK Open when he was just seven months old kind of proved I can still do what I did before he was born.' The stock car season is relentless, with events most weekends between March and November, with the odd marquee one like the UK Open a few weeks ago, then the European Championship and British Championship later this month. Wainman-Hawkins admitted: 'It's probably going to be picky and choosy for me, as I don't have my own car at the moment. 'When I won the UK Open, I was racing my husband's car, and obviously he's generally using that and he's doing really well this year too. 'Because I've got Harry now too, I just don't have the time to get the car ready like I used to, which means I have to rely on Karl's help for that. 'I feel a bit guilty about that, even though I know he's over the moon for me.'
Metro
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Luke Littler fires back at rival claiming he is heading for early retirement
Luke Littler says early retirement talk is 'crazy' after Nathan Aspinall suggested the Nuke could hang up his arrows in the not too distant future. The 18-year-old has already achieved more than most every will in darts, as the reigning world champion bids to defend his Premier League title on Thursday night in London. The teenager is yet to claim top spot in the world rankings, where Luke Humphries still resides, but with UK Open and Grand Slam titles also under his belt already, it appears only a matter of time. Such has been his incredible success at such a young age that Aspinall can see Littler sailing off into the sunset pretty soon, having become tired of travelling and with enough money in the bank to retire early. 'I think he'll be off in about five years,' world number nine Aspinall told talkSPORT. 'He's 18. He does a lot on YouTube, he's good mates with [YouTuber] Angryginge. I can see him going down that path, in my opinion. 'He's already getting fed up with playing and travelling all the time, and he's only been doing it 12 months. 'I don't think he'll be around for 16 years, let alone winning 16 world titles. If he does, fair play to him. But I can't see it.' Aspinall rowed back on predicting Littler retiring in just five years, but cannot see the Nuke still competing past 33 years old. 'Even now Luke could retire and never have to worry about money again in his life, it's as simple as that,' he Aspinall. 'He will always have exhibition work and I hope he doesn't [retire]. He's coming out of his shell a bit at the moment. 'I just believe if he's fed up of travelling now, he's only just got a girlfriend, when he does have a child and stuff like that and he's got £30m sat in his bank, does he really want to travel to Wigan on a cold Tuesday morning? Probably not. 'Maybe not in five years but certainly I don't think he'll be around at my age, so that's 15 years. I don't think he'll be here at 33.' The prediction was put to Littler and he does not agree, saying retirement is the last thing on his mind at the moment so early in his career and with the opportunities in front of him. 'I know I've heard that, I don't know where he's got that from – don't worry, I'll be here in 10 years,' Littler said. 'It's crazy to even think about retiring. If I win 16 world titles like Phil (Taylor), I'll retire, but I'm not even thinking about retirement at the minute – the money is there to be won, especially the World Championship but not only that everything has gone up. 'It is all about what you're feeling and I'm sure I'll be here for a long time.' The next opportunity available to Littler is to win the Premier League for the second time on Thursday night after lifting the trophy on debut last year. The Nuke takes on Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals of the play-offs at The O2 while Humphries and Aspinall meet in the second contest of the night. More Trending The winner will win £275,000 on Thursday night, with Littler looking to land the huge amount for the second year on the spin. Sky Sports' Wayne Mardle reckons it is going to be another Littler vs Humphries final, just as it was 12 months ago. 'Over the longer format, I do see Luke and Luke reaching the final,' said Mardle. 'If they both hit peak then it could be absolute carnage. 'I do believe that they meet in the final. No offence to Price and Aspinall, I just think they are better, especially over the longer format now.' MORE: Phil Taylor sends message to fans as he officially retires from all darts MORE: Gerwyn Price is dreaming of a Premier League Darts and Greyhound Derby double success
Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Fallon Sherrock shows true colours as she makes feelings known on Beau Greaves
Fallon Sherrock and Beau Greaves are two of the top female darts players in the world, but they evidently don't let their rivalry get in the way of mutual respect for one another In the electrifying world of darts, few rivalries capture the imagination quite like that of Fallon Sherrock and Beau Greaves. Sherrock, the trailblazing Queen of the Palace, made history as the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Darts Championship back in 2019. Greaves, the reigning women's world No. 1, has dominated the Women's Series with an unmatched consistency that has cemented her status as a darts prodigy. Together, their rivalry pushes the boundaries of the sport, showcasing the growing prominence of women in a traditionally male-dominated arena. Speaking to Online Darts on Tuesday, Sherrock opened up about the dynamic of their rivalry. "Yeah, it's a fierce rivalry," she said. "But it's because when we play, we bring out the best in each other. "There's never one of us really folding, it's always nip and tuck – and I think that's what makes it such a good watch because we both refuse to give up." Unlike past rivalries where opponents might have given her the cold shoulder, Sherrock showed her true colours as she actually appreciates the camaraderie she shares with Greaves. "I actually enjoy the friendly rivalry. We're sat upstairs, we're talking and stuff like that. In the past, if I've had a rivalry with someone, they would just ignore me. So it's kind of nice." Sherrock, 30, also voiced her support for Greaves, 21, potentially competing in the PDC World Darts Championship instead of focusing solely on the Women's World Championship – as she's done in the past two years. "I hope [she does] because of her run at the UK Open – how she's playing at the Challenge Tour and the Development Tour and stuff like that, her game is in a really good place," Sherrock said. "Why would you not just challenge it and compete at the Worlds? Because if you go on a run at the Worlds, or win the Worlds, your life changes completely." Reflecting on Greaves' talent back in October, Sherrock was full of praise. When asked by Wayne Mardle on Club 501 if she'd ever seen a female player as talented as Beau 'n' Arrow, she replied: "Not as consistent, no. "There are youth players and stuff that you see coming through the system who had talent. But they never had the consistency and never stuck to it. Whereas Beau's always been that good, and then now she's had the consistency doing it on a regular basis, you can see why she's number one." The Buckinghamshire-born star also noted the ripple effect Greaves has on the Women's Series, where opponents raise their game to challenge the top-ranked player, often hitting impressive 90-plus averages. Sherrock's rise to fame began in 2019 with her ground-breaking performances at Alexandra Palace and captured global attention. Greaves, meanwhile, has carved her own path with a relentless work ethic and a game that blends precision with power. At just 21, she has already secured multiple Women's World Matchplay titles and consistently delivers high averages that rival the best in the sport. She recently pushed former world champion Luke Humphries to the limit at the UK Open in February, narrowly losing 10-7 to the world No. 1. "We all know Beau's potential, we all just want her to go and succeed," Sherrock told ITV earlier in the day. "It's so good for the women's game, and I'm like, 'Come on Beau, keep going.'" Greaves has been equally positive about Sherrock in the past. Back in 2022, the Doncaster-born star hailed Sherrock's 2019 run in the World Darts Championship, suggesting it had inspired her own ascent in the sport. "What Fallon did was brilliant, you can't take it away from her," Greaves said. "She did brilliant darts and obviously the opportunities anyone would take... I don't want to be compared to Fallon in stuff like that, what she did was amazing, but I want to do my own thing and just sort of keep to myself and keep enjoying it."
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Darts star Michael van Gerwen's miserable year from Luke Littler loss and bizarre injury to split from wife Daphne
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has had a tough year both at and away from the oche. The Green Machine has gone through injury misery, marriage heartache and damaging defeats. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Michael van Gerwen has had a tough year so far Credit: Alamy Once one of the most feared players on the professional circuit, MVG is now seen by many as a beatable opponent when you're on your day. That reputation took it's first big hit of the year when the 36-year-old fell to defeat at the hands of teenager Luke Littler in the World Championship final in January. LUKE AWAY Van Gerwen is a three-time world champion and one of the best players to ever take to the stage. January's World Championship final matchup with a 17-year-old Luke Littler was an opportunity for the Dutchman to assert his dominance over a rising star that had drawn comparisons to a young MVG. READ MORE IN DARTS 'GOT THE HUMP' Darts duo embroiled in on-stage row as what kicked off public spat emerges But the chance at lifting a fourth Sid Waddell trophy was gone within a matter of minutes as Littler stormed to a 4-0 lead, ultimately going on to win 7-3. It wasn't just £500,000 and the trophy that was snatched away from Van Gerwen, but an 11-year record of his too. Littler's success as a 17-year-old made him the youngest ever winner of the worlds, trumping MVG's record of lifting the title as a 24-year-old in 2014. 8 Van Gerwen was beaten by Luke Littler in the World Championship final Credit: Getty MINNOW MISERY There's a caveat to losing to Littler, because despite being a teenager, he's still one of the sport's top prospects and best players. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS But there may not be many excuses for some of the relative minnows that MVG has succumb to throughout the season already. Van Gerwen has fallen to defeat in the first round SIX times on the PDC circuit this season. Those performances have included defeats to the world number 111, 94 and 71 in the Players Championship events. Much of the darts world were left scratching their heads at his performances, but pal and opponent Raymond van Barneveld hinted it could be down to fatigue. Speaking to TalkSport, he said: "Michael was always a killer. I don't know what's going on. I see him often, what is really going on with his game? I am not sure. "We travel a lot, we play a lot. From Exeter last week, they play, one day later they go to the UK Open and play more matches. "[It is] almost unstoppable at the moment. It is really tiring for all the players and we have to protect them you know? "Premier League, Euro Tours, Pro Tours, in all honesty it is a little bit insane." 8 Van Gerwen's friend Raymond van Barneveld suggested MVG's poor form could be down to fatigue Credit: Getty - Contributor PREMIER LEAGUE PAIN Van Gerwen is the most successful Premier League Darts player of all time, winning the competition a record seven times - one more than Phil Taylor. But his efforts on the high-profile eight-man tour this season have been well below his usual standards. In fact, Thursday's 6-2 defeat to Nathan Aspinall sealed only his second-ever failed attempt to make the play-off stage of the competition in 13 appearances. While he also went the entire Premier League campaign without winning a single nightly event. Speaking after missing out, he said: "This is probably one of the hardest Premier Leagues I have ever played in - not in terms of players, but in terms of myself". While former tour player Colin Lloyd reckons that the dismal form is a sign that MVG is finished at the top level. He said: "I think his race is run. With what he's achieved in the game, is he that motivated anymore? "He says he is. He says there's plenty left it in him and that when he turns up, he's still the man to beat and one of the best players in the world. "I'm sorry, but I've got to say we haven't seen Michael turn up for a while now. We've seen flashes of brilliance. "Has it slipped into his head he has other priorities? He loves spending time with the missus and the kids going on holiday." 8 Nathan Aspinall beat Van Gerwen to prevent him a place in the Premier League play-offs Credit: PA Premier League Darts 2025 THE Premier League Darts is back with eight players vying for massive prize money and Luke Littler's crown. The teenager, who went on to win the world title in December, won the Premier League in 2024 and will be looking to defend his crown over 18 thrilling weeks. There were two new entries this season, with Stephen Bunting and Chris Dobey replacing Peter Wright and Michael Smith. Luke Humphries, Rob Cross, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall keep their place in what will be a hotly-contested title race. INFORMATION Full schedule and results, dates, TV and live stream info Latest standings as we head to Finals night How much prize money is on offer in the Premier League? LATEST DARTS NEWS Humphries make shock wardrobe change for Premier League Darts in Leeds Moment darts star awkwardly falls off stage Luke Littler goes public for first time with new girlfriend SEASON SO FAR Night One - Belfast Night Two - Glasgow Night Three - Dublin Night Four - Exeter Night Five - Brighton Night Six - Nottingham Night Seven - Cardiff Night Eight - Newcastle Night Nine - Berlin Night 10 - Manchester Night 11 - Rotterdam Night 12 - Liverpool Night 13 - Birmingham Night 14 - Leeds GONE MISSING It hasn't just been defeats that have seen MVG struggle to stitch together form this year, but also his own decisions to pull out of competitions. Van Gerwen has missed out on five different PDC events this season for family commitments, unknown reasons and a freak injury. Those events included multiple Players Championship matches and the Bahrain Darts Masters. But it was his shock withdrawal from the Premier League in Berlin that caused the biggest stir after it was revealed he had injured himself by putting his SHIRT ON. Close friend Vincent Van der Voort revealed to Dutch podcast Darts Draait Door how the bizarre injury came about. He said: "Michael hurt himself in the afternoon—it was really unfortunate. 'He was trying on some shirts for his sponsor, and as soon as he put one on, he said something didn't feel right. He could barely move his neck. "He went to a physiotherapist, had a massage, even took muscle relaxants. He gave it a go, but it just wasn't happening." 8 Vincent van der Voort revealed how Van Gerwen injured himself Credit: Getty DAPHNE SPLIT Van Gerwen could perhaps put some of his struggles at the oche down to distractions in his personal life. And that became very clear when the world number three revealed that he is splitting from his wife Daphne this week. Van Gerwen and Daphne began dating in 2008 and tied the knot six years later. The pair have two children together, a daughter called Zoe, 7, and a son called Mike, 5. But they have sadly decided to call an end to their time together, with Van Gerwen announcing the decision in a statement that asked for space and revealed he is withdrawing from some upcoming tournaments. It read: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship. As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments. "I am sorry to disappoint my fans, but I trust that they will understand my decision. "We are going through difficult times and ask everyone to respect our privacy during this difficult time." 8 Van Gerwen has announced his split from wife Daphne 8 Daphne had MVG had been together since 2008
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Darts star Michael van Gerwen's miserable year from Luke Littler loss and bizarre injury to split from wife Daphne
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has had a tough year both at and away from the oche. The Green Machine has gone through injury misery, marriage heartache and damaging defeats. 8 Michael van Gerwen has had a tough year so far Credit: Alamy Once one of the most feared players on the professional circuit, MVG is now seen by many as a beatable opponent when you're on your day. That reputation took it's first big hit of the year when the 36-year-old fell to defeat at the hands of teenager LUKE AWAY Van Gerwen is a three-time world champion and one of the best players to ever take to the stage. January's World Championship final matchup with a 17-year-old Luke Littler was an opportunity for the Dutchman to assert his dominance over a rising star that had drawn comparisons to a young MVG. READ MORE IN DARTS But the chance at lifting a fourth Sid Waddell trophy was gone within a matter of minutes as Littler stormed to a 4-0 lead, ultimately going on to win 7-3. It wasn't just £500,000 and the trophy that was snatched away from Van Gerwen, Littler's success as a 17-year-old made him the youngest ever winner of the worlds, trumping MVG's record of lifting the title as a 24-year-old in 2014. 8 Van Gerwen was beaten by Luke Littler in the World Championship final Credit: Getty MINNOW MISERY There's a caveat to losing to Littler, because despite being a teenager, he's still one of the sport's top prospects and best players. Most read in Darts CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS But there may not be many excuses for Van Gerwen has fallen to defeat in the first round SIX times on the PDC circuit this season. Those performances have included Much of the darts world were left scratching their heads at his performances, but pal and opponent Raymond van Barneveld hinted it could be down to fatigue. Speaking to , he said: "Michael was always a killer. I don't know what's going on. I see him often, what is really going on with his game? I am not sure. "We travel a lot, we play a lot. From Exeter last week, they play, one day later they go to the UK Open and play more matches. "[It is] almost unstoppable at the moment. It is really tiring for all the players and we have to protect them you know? "Premier League, Euro Tours, Pro Tours, in all honesty it is a little bit insane." 8 Van Gerwen's friend Raymond van Barneveld suggested MVG's poor form could be down to fatigue Credit: Getty - Contributor PREMIER LEAGUE PAIN Van Gerwen is the most successful Premier League Darts player of all time, winning the competition a record seven times - one more than Phil Taylor. But his efforts on the high-profile eight-man tour this season have been well below his usual standards. In fact, While he also went the entire Premier League campaign without winning a single nightly event. Speaking after missing out, he said: "This is probably one of the hardest Premier Leagues I have ever played in - not in terms of players, but in terms of myself". While former tour player He said: "I think his race is run. With what he's achieved in the game, is he that motivated anymore? "He says he is. He says there's plenty left it in him and that when he turns up, he's still the man to beat and one of the best players in the world. "I'm sorry, but I've got to say we haven't seen Michael turn up for a while now. We've seen flashes of brilliance. "Has it slipped into his head he has other priorities? He loves spending time with the missus and the kids going on holiday." 8 Nathan Aspinall beat Van Gerwen to prevent him a place in the Premier League play-offs Credit: PA Premier League Darts 2025 THE Premier League Darts is back with eight players vying for massive prize money and Luke Littler's crown. The teenager, who went on to win the world title in December, won the Premier League in 2024 and will be looking to defend his crown over 18 thrilling weeks. There were two new entries this season, with Stephen Bunting and Chris Dobey replacing Peter Wright and Michael Smith. Luke Humphries, Rob Cross, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall keep their place in what will be a hotly-contested title race. INFORMATION Full schedule and results, dates, TV and live stream info Latest standings as we head to Finals night How much prize money is on offer in the Premier League? LATEST DARTS NEWS Moment darts star awkwardly falls off stage SEASON SO FAR Night One - Belfast Night Two - Glasgow Night Three - Dublin Night Four - Exeter Night Five - Brighton Night Six - Nottingham Night Seven - Cardiff Night Nine - Berlin Night 10 - Manchester Night 11 - Rotterdam Night 12 - Liverpool Night 13 - Birmingham Night 14 - Leeds GONE MISSING It hasn't just been defeats that have seen MVG struggle to stitch together form this year, but also his own decisions to pull out of competitions. Van Gerwen has Those events included multiple Players Championship matches and But it was his shock withdrawal from the Premier League in Berlin that caused the biggest stir after it was revealed he had Close friend Vincent Van der Voort revealed to Dutch podcast Darts Draait Door how the bizarre injury came about. He said: "Michael hurt himself in the afternoon—it was really unfortunate. 'He was trying on some shirts for his sponsor, and as soon as he put one on, he said something didn't feel right. He could barely move his neck. "He went to a physiotherapist, had a massage, even took muscle relaxants. He gave it a go, but it just wasn't happening." 8 Vincent van der Voort revealed how Van Gerwen injured himself Credit: Getty DAPHNE SPLIT Van Gerwen could perhaps put some of his struggles at the oche down to distractions in his personal life. And that became very clear when the world number three The pair have two children together, a daughter called Zoe, 7, and a son called Mike, 5. But they have sadly decided to call an end to their time together, with Van Gerwen announcing the decision in a statement that asked for space and revealed he is withdrawing from some upcoming tournaments. It read: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship. As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments. "I am sorry to disappoint my fans, but I trust that they will understand my decision. "We are going through difficult times and ask everyone to respect our privacy during this difficult time." 8 Van Gerwen has announced his split from wife Daphne 8 Daphne had MVG had been together since 2008 8 The pair have two children together
