When it comes to top level darts, many of the biggest stars in the sport are as well known by their nicknames as they are by their actual names.
The likes of Phil 'The Power' Taylor and Raymond 'Barney' van Barneveld are referred to as often by those monikers as they are called by their legal titles.
Even for players who might not be as successful as the pair mentioned above, a good nickname can make them more familiar to the general darts fan and increase their popularity as a result.
One such player now only starting to make his way at the top level of the sport was hoping to go down this route, although the authorities have stamped down on the nickname he was hoping to use after qualifying for the PDC World Championships.
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Darts player forced to change cheeky nickname by the PDC
Owen Bates is set to make his debut at the PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace next month, with the 20-year old qualifying for the tournament on the final day of the Challenge Tour.
In saying that, he will not be able to use the nickname that has made him such a popular figure among diehard darts fans. The PDC have ruled that the name is not fit for use at the sport's flagship event.
The nickname in question is 'The Master'.
Now, there's nothing rude about that name in isolation. However, when read out as "Owen 'The Master' Bates", you can see where an issue might arise.
Considering the atmosphere the fans produce at Ally Pally, you suspect that Bates would have gotten quote the reception from the crowd. Unfortunately the PDC have ensured this will not be the case, with the player now on the hunt for a new nickname ahead of next month's event.
The story was spoken about on talkSPORT earlier today, with Ally McCoist having a hilarious reaction to Owen Bates' nickname.
“Darts player Owen Bates has been ruled against using his nickname ‘The Master’!” 😳
“We need a new one. ‘The Tungsten Tosser’?”
This 3 mins of @TSBreakfast is MUST WATCH!
We might’ve broken Ally McCoist! 🎯🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/8GLF2LReCG— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) November 8, 2023
Hilarious.
We're excited to see what (slightly less explicit) nickname our new favourite darts player will come up with next.
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