Referee Huw Ware has made instant history at the PDC World Darts Championship final.
Luke Littler and Michael Van Gerwen met in a historic and mouth-watering PDC World Championship final at Alexandra Palace, with ‘The Nuke’ looking to steal his rival’s record to become the sport’s youngest ever world champion.
PDCWare made instant history at Ally Pally[/caption]
Millions around the world had their eyes fixated on the oche, as two of the very best at the tungsten craft produced a magical affair.
But it was the referee who attracted immediate positive attention, as he stepped on stage to call the match.
And his name was etched immediately in the history books as he became the first openly gay referee to call the sport’s showpiece final.
He released a statement on his blog, delighted with the news.
It read: “To be honest tomorrow will be the biggest day of my life.
“I’ve been with the PDC for eight years now and it will be one of the biggest honours of my life to take charge of the second half and call in the champion.
“If I was to say anything to that, it would be that if there are gay boys or gay girls out there who are worried that their sexuality could close doors to worlds they would like to be in but no longer feel that they can, then that is not the case.
“These worlds, like the sports world, are open to everybody both gay and straight, and even if the journey can be hard sometimes, days like tomorrow make it so worth it.
“No matter who you are you can achieve in any world you want to, and most importantly, you can belong.”
Some truly brilliant referees have graced the Ally Pally stage including legend Russ Bray who retired after last year’s final.
Ware will take control of the final stages of the match, with Kirk Bevins due to control the match from the start.
Ware will call the incredible final which is guaranteed to go down in history for a number of reasons.
Littler himself is eyeing a firm place in the history books, with ‘The Nuke’ looking to capitalise on multiple records.
He could first pick up the Ballon D’Art before a dart has been thrown, unless Van Gerwen overhauls his incredible tally.
But he could also overtake the Dutch legend by becoming the sport’s youngest champion at the age of 17.
Van Gerwen said of his chances: “He’s [Littler] still got years [to break the record].
“With his capability, it will surprise me if he’s not going to do it.
“I don’t really care; I don’t look at stats. The same people talk to me about beating some of Phil Taylor’s records – I don’t care.
“It’s all about what you do now, and whoever’s in your path. You have to face it and beat it.”
