Former runner-up Kevin Painter worried fans after struggling to release his at the York Barbican. ‘The Artist’ was facing Canada’s David Cameron in the first round on Friday when he appeared to hit a roadblock.
The 57-year-old was already trailing 6-2 with 104 left to clear in the ninth leg when he just couldn’t seem to release. It proved worth the wait, however, as he eventually gathered himself to check off 19, treble 15 and double 20 to reduce the deficit.
Cue a raucous reaction from the crowd in York, letting the long-time PDC veteran know they had his back in what seemed a difficult time. It’s been speculated that Painter has been struggling with dartitis for the better part of a year or more.
Kevin Painter was cheered on as he struggled to throw his darts at the York Barbican (Image: PDC)
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That leg ended up being the last Painter won as Cameron regathered to win the next two legs. He even signed off the match with a fantastic 152 clearance that deservedly conjured cheers of his own from the Barbican audience.
However, it was Painter who perhaps coaxed the biggest reaction of the evening for battling through adversity to see out the match. Murmurs have suggested Painter was struggling against a shoulder injury for much of last year, though Friday’s obstacle appeared to be something else.
“Kevin Painter is showing so much heart and determination up there,” wrote one fan on social media. “Many would have just said I can’t do this and conceded. It’s horrible to see but he is leaving everything up there.”
When they go.. THEY GO ??????Kevin Painter is showing an incredible amount of courage up on the Barbican stage right now ❤️
— World Seniors Darts (@SeniorsDarts)
Another speculated: “I know the match isn’t finished, but got to give Kevin painter credit for going up there and playing even with severe dartitis, takes some courage that.”
Painter is best remembered for reaching the World Championship final at Alexandra Palace in 2004. He lost 7-6 to Phil Taylor in a nail-biting affair, which was the highlight of a rivalry that ran over many matches against one another.
The Artist later clinched major silverware when he won the Players Championship Finals in December 2011. And it’s clear from his reception in York that he’s earned a legion of supporters along the way.