By Quinn Stables on 180UK debut
There’s nothing in darts quite like the perfection of a nine-darter. It’s a moment that electrifies fans, silences commentators, and cements players into the sport’s folklore. From historic breakthroughs to jaw-dropping displays on the biggest stages, the perfect leg has delivered some of darts’ greatest drama.
In this piece, Quinn Stables takes a look back at some of the most iconic televised nine-darters ever thrown. Whether achieved in world finals or early-round nail-biters, each moment on this list captures the magic that keeps fans glued to their screens. Let’s relive some of the finest finishes in darts history.
John Lowe – World Matchplay, 2nd Round, 1984
Although I doubt many readers would’ve seen John Lowe’s historic nine-darter live, I simply couldn’t make this list without including him. The three-time World Champion created history by becoming the first-ever player to hit a televised nine-darter, in a match against Keith Deller.
Adrian Lewis – PDC World Championship, Last 16, 2013
This is not the only time that Adrian Lewis will be mentioned in this list, with the former World Champion hitting an incredible five televised nine-darters throughout his career. This nine-darter, however, may not be deemed memorable because of the occasion but because of Lewis’ laid-back celebration. After achieving the feat against Terry Jenkins, Lewis casually turned and shrugged his shoulders — a celebration that became iconic within the world of darts.
Robert Thornton – Grand Prix, 2nd Round, 2014
Whilst it’s Robert Thornton who has his name in this list, half of the credit must also go to his opponent in this match, James Wade. Wade managed to throw a perfect leg in the second set and, in doing so, became the second player ever to hit a nine-darter in the Grand Prix. It was this that made what followed so shocking, as in the fourth set Thornton followed suit with a perfect leg of his own. Before this match, there had only been one nine-darter in Grand Prix history — by the end of the match, that number had tripled.
Luke Littler – Premier League, Final, 2024
Since Luke Littler exploded onto the scene at the 2024 World Championship, we’ve already seen him hit multiple nine-darters — none more memorable, however, than his perfect leg in the 2024 Premier League Final against the reigning World Champion, Luke Humphries. He went on to win the final, picking up his first-ever major title. Less than a year on, he now has five majors to his name, including the World Championship title.
William Borland – PDC World Championship, 1st Round, 2022
Despite this only happening in the first round of a World Championship, William — or ‘Willie’ Borland, as known by fans — more than earned his position on this list. Borland’s nine-darter came in a deciding leg against fellow up-and-coming player Bradley Brooks. The heightened tension and quick pace of this leg made for incredible viewing, as well as Borland’s extensive celebration after pinning double 12 for the match. It has amassed nearly four million views on YouTube and secured Borland’s status as a cult hero within the world of darts.
Brendan Dolan – Grand Prix, Semi-Final, 2011
Brendan Dolan now refers to himself as the ‘History Maker’ as he became the first player to ever hit a nine-darter in a double-in, double-out format match. He owes some credit to the late John Gwynne for just how memorable this nine-darter was, as the commentator’s cries of “Bullseye!” during Dolan’s 161 checkout have become one of the most iconic pieces of commentary in the sport.
Adrian Lewis – PDC World Championship, Final, 2011
I told you he would be mentioned again. This time it’s for Adrian Lewis’ perfect leg in the final of the World Championship against Gary Anderson. In achieving this, Lewis became the first player to ever hit a nine-darter in the final of a Worlds, as he went on to become champion of the world for the first time.
Phil Taylor – Premier League, Final, 2010
Surprisingly, this is the first time that Phil Taylor appears in this list — an almost immortal figure in darts, viewed by most as the greatest to ever compete. Taylor has hit multiple perfect legs across his long and spectacular career, yet the most memorable of these must be the two he hit in a single game — a feat never done before and never seen again to this day. Alongside making history, he also achieved this in a Premier League final against James Wade, as he went on to pick up one of a ludicrous 85 major titles during his career.
Michael van Gerwen – PDC World Championship, Semi-Final, 2013
Whilst most people agree that Phil Taylor is the greatest darts player, if someone opposes this view, they will almost certainly claim it’s this man instead. Michael van Gerwen enjoyed a period of total dominance throughout the 2010s, showing a level of ability that only Taylor could compare to. In this semi-final, he was millimetres away from topping Taylor’s incredible achievement three years prior by hitting two nine-darters in one game — back-to-back. After 17 perfect darts, his final dart landed just inside single 12, denying him what would’ve undoubtedly been the most impressive nine-darter on this list. This effort also came against the incredibly unfortunate James Wade, who somehow makes his fourth appearance on this list. The poor guy can’t seem to catch a break!
Michael Smith – PDC World Championship, Final, 2023
There was really only one man who could top this list, and I assume most readers would agree. In the 2023 World Championship final, Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen combined to perform the greatest leg of darts the world has ever seen. After six darts each, both players found themselves on nine-dart finishes, with Van Gerwen stepping up to the oche. The Dutchman managed eight perfect darts before missing double 12 and allowing Smith an opportunity to one-up his opponent. Smith pinned treble 20, then treble 19, and finally hit double 12 to secure the nine-darter — in what Wayne Mardle labelled “the greatest leg of darts you will ever see” before delivering his iconic “I can’t speak!” The leg went viral on social media, stretching across the globe and putting darts back on the map.