double tot - visits the world championships

‘DOUBLE TOT’ VISITS THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

NATHAN’S DAD REPORTS BACK ON VISIT TO LAKESIDE

WINMAU-sponsored ‘Double Tot’, three-year old Nathan Bradley paid a visit to the Lakeside Country Club, Frimley Green in January for the Lakeside World Championship finals and here is his father James’s diary of the exceptional two days that he and Nathan spent at ‘The Home of Darts’.

Thursday 10^th January 2008

We set off in the early hours of the morning from our home in Lancashire, so we would arrive mid-morning to Frimley Green. We arrived 10 a.m. and checked into our hotel.

Nathan and I were then introduced to the filming/directing crew from the BBC and talked through what would be happening whilst we were visiting. We were then able to watch Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills play a leg against Bobby George. Nathan enjoyed watching this, whilst practising on his own dartboard! 

We were then taken to the hotel where the players were staying and practicing; and Nathan was able to set up his board next to the practicing players. Many people came over to watch Nathan playing, and were amazed that at 3 years old he was able to play so well and accurately.

Our backstage/VIP passes were arranged for that evenings matches, so we went back to our hotel room to let Nathan practice some more and prepare himself for the night ahead. Later, we headed over to the backstage area just before the matches were to start and again we were able to set Nathan's board up and Nathan played happily, showing off for all the people watching him! 

Many dart players gave Nathan flights and many said they were glad they would be retired before Nathan became a professional, because if he was that good at 3 years old they daren't even think how good he will be as a teenager and adult! Nathan spent most of the evening playing darts between watching the ongoing matches on one of the many screens backstage and talking to the many people who were watching him!  The interest in Nathan was unbelievable, with many people watching him, and also by him being filmed by a Dutch film crew! Just as we were leaving, as Nathan had tired himself out, we were invited to a player’s luncheon for the following day by Olly Croft, OBE, Managing Director of BDO Enterprises Ltd.

Friday 11^th January 2008

Nathan was awake at 7 a.m. practising on his board, ready for the exciting day that lay ahead of him.

He had breakfast and got sorted. The whole time his darts were not far from his hand and when the time finally came we headed over to the Lakeside stage, where Nathan was to play a leg against the legendary Bobby George.

Bobby was also getting prepared.  They dartboard was set up at Nathan's height, the camera crew prepared themselves and throughout the whole time, Nathan (with darts in hand, of course) seemed unfazed by anything going on around him. They walked on stage and begun to film. It was not a typical leg they threw, but Bobby and Nathan took turns in throwing their darts at the board; Nathan as ever being pretty accurate.

Then Bobby said they would throw for the Bull for the match. Nathan clarified this with Bobby then threw his first dart - smack, bang, in the bull!! Bobby was gobsmacked! We all gave a cheer as Bobby missed and Nathan won the match! He was awarded an ”I played a leg with Bobby George" trophy, which understandably he is very proud of and wanted to show it off to anybody who would look at it!

Later that day we went to the Players Luncheon, where we were treated to a lovely meal and drinks. Here again, all the dart players made such a fuss of Nathan and loved listening to us telling them how he had done in his leg against Bobby. Shortly after the meal we had to go to the interview to go alongside the footage filmed. Ray, Bobby and I sat and spoke about Nathan and his darts and how he had done in his leg against Bobby. Meanwhile, in the background, Nathan was still playing darts, again captivating an ever increasing audience!

In all we had a brilliant two days, were made to feel very welcome and Nathan was received very well. We had so many positive comments, including being told by a number of players that if he continues the way he is at the moment Nathan will definitely be a World Champion one day!

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© 2008 James Bradley. Additional text © 2008 Patrick Chaplin