Saddlers Club to recreate nine-dart history

John Lowe and Keith Deller go head-to-head at the Saddlers Club on Monday October 13, exactly 30 years after a match between them was headline news around the world.

Lowe's nine-darter in their quarter-final of the World Matchplay in Slough was the first perfect leg to be screened on television.

For throwing back-to-back 180s, then taking out 141 on treble 17, treble 18 and double 18, Lowe earned a massive £102,000.

Looking back on his career, Lowe says those nine darts are talked about more than winning world titles in three separate decades.

Dave Lanning, who commentated on the match for ITV, was there when Lowe made history at the Fulcrum Centre

He remembers there being "only about 200 people there" - but promoter Phill Opieler hopes there will be more watching in Walsall when they go head to head again.

Opieler, who grew up in Walsall and is a former landlord of the Noah's Ark in Willenhall, describes the night as "huge for darts fans."

He was just five years old when Lowe made history and added excitedly: "Wouldn't it be amazing if John could do it again?

"The roof would come off the place. Let's hope it happens."

Eric Bristow, the five-times world champion, will also be at the Saddlers Club.

In the first part of the evening, 'The Crafty Cockney,' Lowe and Deller will play raffle winners from the audience.

Lowe and Deller will then talk through the historic night - then try to recreate it.

Opieler, who staged his first exhibition a couple of years ago at the Albion in Wednesfield, said: ""It should be a night to remember."

Tickets start at £10 and are available from www.op13lerexhibition.bigcartel.com, op13ler@yahoo.co.uk and 07815 550 151.