Rashad Sweeting won darts fans’ hearts at Ally Pally. (Image: SKY SPORTS)
Rashad Sweeting quickly made himself a cult hero with his oche antics against Jeffrey De Graaf on Tuesday. But the Barbadian almost didn’t make it onto the Alexandra Palace stage when he embarrassingly took a wrong turn during his walk-on.
It was a historic night at Ally Pally as Sweeting made his World Darts Championship debut, becoming the first darts player from Barbados to do so.
And he was the ultimate entertainer to claim the London crowd’s passionate backing, epitomising what the first round is all about.
Sweeting’s night didn’t get off to the most assuring of starts, though, as he made his way through the crowd to the sound of Nakhaz’s ‘I’m a Bahamian (That’s What I Like)’.
After reciprocating fans’ visual cues for a high five, the 34-year-old turned left and headed towards the side stairs that players use to leave the stage.
Cameras captured a member of staff getting Sweeting’s attention before directing him onto the entrance steps.
A rookie error or nerves? You’d imagine a bit of both moments before one of the biggest moments of his life.
The Candy Man swiftly recollected himself as he gazed over the sea of 180-hungry spectators, offering a composed wave and applause before pointing to the sky.
Rashad Sweeting takes a wrong turn on his way to the stage ??????????????????
— Live Darts (@livedarts)
Rashad Sweeting stole the show in defeat. (Image: Getty)
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De Graaf, the strong favourite, started slowly, missing seven darts in the opening sets as Sweeting teased an upset by taking it 3-1.
Sweeting was throwing to enter a two-set lead, and as he hit one of his three 180s, he celebrated by pulling off Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer’s trademark ‘cold’ celebration.
It later emerged that the brilliant moment was in response to a fan’s request earlier in the day to shiver like the England international if he hit a 180 during his match.
Sweeting then squandered darts to move one set away from a second-round clash with Gary Anderson, letting De Graaf pounce with a 107 checkout to equalise.
First 180 on the World Champs stage followed by the Cold Palmer celebration ????????????Who cares if it leaves double seven… An Ally Pally legend is born in Rashad Sweeting ??????????????????
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC)
The Swede grew from there, cruising through the third leg without reply before moving two legs ahead in the fourth, leaving him on the brink of victory.
Sweeting had one final treat for his newfound followers, though, as he produced a roar-drawing 126 finish on the bull to delay De Graaf’s win.
While the debutant missed the opportunity to earn a historic triumph, he did win the hearts of the darts fans at Ally Pally and the millions watching on TV.
Should Sweeting return to the stage next year, he is guaranteed a warm welcome back.