Rashad Sweeting was rewarded for his performance (Image: Getty)
Rashad Sweeting may have exited the PDC World Championship but he still received an early Christmas gift. The Bahamian quickly became a fan favourite during his first round match with Jeffrey de Graaf.
It was a big moment for Sweeting, who was making his . He seemed unfazed by the moment, though, making a strong start against De Graaf to take the first set. Sweeting managed to hit three 180s during his match, on stage.
His showmanship arguably got the better of him at a crucial point that could have put him 2-0 up. However, Sweeting’s desire to entertain darts fans was rewarded by tournament sponsor Paddy Power, who paid for his flight home.
On the verge of clinching the second set with 194 remaining, Sweeting responded to the crowd’s cheers by going for another 180 and leaving himself a tricky D7 finish. After deciding to split the checkout, Sweeting missed two throws at D4, which ultimately cost him as De Graaf won the match 3-1. However, ‘The Candyman’ chose to see the funny side.
“The next time it comes to a 180 and it leaves me on a double like that, I am not going to do it,” Sweeting joked. “Sorry if you boo me, but I’m not going to do it. But the first time, I said ok, I’ll do it for the crowd, I’ve got you!”
Sweeting’s determination to entertain the crowd led Paddy Power to pay for his trip home. “Rashad Sweeting’s tournament run may not have lasted long, but he’ll be fondly remembered by the buoyant Ally Pally crowd and those watching on TV,” a Paddy Power spokesperson said. “He went for the 180 when he probably shouldn’t have, and that’s got to be worth a pat on the back – or, in this case – paying for his seat on the plane!”
Rashad Sweeting responded to the crowd (Image: Getty)
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The Bahamian raised £3k for Prostate Cancer UK through his 180s, with The Bigger 180 Campaign’s tournament total already reaching £281k. It was certainly a memorable time for Sweeting, who also had a surprise meeting with reigning world champion Luke Humphries.
“I’m going to tell you the funny story,” Sweeting smiled. “I was in the room practising upstairs in the hotel, and I was throwing darts. I heard a swipe on the door—it was jammed, like the person had trouble getting in. I thought it was the cleaners.
“So, I went to the door, opened it, and I looked up, and I said, ‘You’re [Luke] Humphries! Do you want me to come out here because you’re the best player in the world? You want me to get up?’
Rashad Sweeting could’ve played it sensible but he went for the 180 instead??????So, as thanks for being a legend and triggering another £1,000 donation from us to , we’re making the one-off pledge to pay his travel costs to and from the Bahamas.Fair play Rashad.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower)
“He said, ‘No, no, you’re good, you’re good,’ and we started a conversation from there. He gave me courage and advice about the game and what to expect. And he asked me about my country—how it starts there. Very cool guy. Very cool. I love it, man.”
Much to Sweeting’s delight, Humphries later referenced his conversation with ‘The Candyman’. He added: “I was in my room, and somebody told me, ‘Rashad, look, Luke Humphries has mentioned you.’ He didn’t remember my name, but I’m the only one here [from the Bahamas]. It’s still awesome.”
Meanwhile, Humphries is through to the third round following his straight-sets win over Thibault Tricole. He will either face darts icon Raymond van Barneveld or Wales thrower Nick Kenny in his next match.