My Favourite Sport: Paul Templer (darts)

Paul Templer is well-known for his support of Bangor football and being a prolific fund-raiser for The Lily Foundation, a charity committed to finding a cure for mitochondrial disease, through funding research, raising awareness and family support.

Mitochondrial disease is an inherited chronic illness that can be present at birth or develop later in life.

Paul is also a massive darts fan and plays himself locally.

At what age did you become interested in darts and who was your first hero in the game?

I remember throwing darts in the hallway of my house with my mam & brother when I was little but didn’t really play properly til my early twenties.
Growing up, my first hero was probably Phil Taylor simply as he was winning everything

Who do you think is the greatest dart player of all-time and why?

As above I’d say Phil Taylor, his record speaks for itself really and I doubt his tally of world championships will be matched.

Which local player do you think could have made it to the top? Or is there a local player now who could still make it big in the sport?

Hard to say really, there are some really good players in the local pub league who have represented Gwynedd and even Wales but how far they could go would depend on so many circumstances.

What is your own darting background? Won any tournaments? What’s your biggest checkout?

Not won any individual tournaments, there are far too many better players than me out there but have been part of league winning teams and a couple of runners up spots.
Highest checkout is 156, my highest by a bit. Probably think the closest would be 125 after that.

Did Gerwyn Price’s success in the PDC World Championship surprise you? Or did you expect him to win?

Don’t think it surprised me, he’s been the most consistent player in the PDC over the last 2 year period hence him gaining the number 1 spot.
Always difficult to expect someone to win a world title but I did think it would be between him and MVG though.

Who do you think is Wales’ greatest-ever player?

I wasn’t fortunate enough to see the likes of Leighton Rees play, Burnett and Webster have both also won BDO titles but would say its either Price or Rees

What do you think of PDC Qualifying School? A good thing for the game?

I think so, especially for players that have dropped off the circuit to try getting back on quickly. Also offers a chance to players that wouldn’t normally get to play under the pressure of Q school.

Does the BDO still have a standing in the sport, or is it very much the poor relation of darts now?

To be honest I think it is virtually non-existent if not gone completely. There no world championship tournament this year for the first time since 1977. PDC tour card holder Steve Brown has set up M.A.D darts for the amateur scene.
From what I’ve read it soured very badly over the last few years with players and venues not receiving payments which is a shame is it provided a good platform for players.

Is there anything you have not achieved in darts which you feel you still can?

I’ve got a collection of trophies and certificates but a 3 dart finish in a round the board league match has eluded me so far so that’s one I’d like.
These days I enjoy the nights with my friends more now I don’t take so seriously.

Who is darts’ greatest ever commentator and why?

Has to be Sid Waddell , you could hear the passion for the sport in every match, very knowledgeable and his one liners would be comedy gold.
Once partnered by Stephen Fry in the commentators box which came across amazing on TV.