World Darts

They simply became known as WAGS – Wives and Girlfriends

In the world of PDC darts, the wives and girlfriends are very different – no airs and graces, no need to show off or pose for the cameras. They are lovely down-to-earth ladies, who over the last couple of years have become nearly as recognisable as their darts star partners.

Take Donna Mardle for instance….the pair are childhood sweethearts and you can imagine, she has a lot to put up with Wayne! She is his biggest supporter and also takes all the pressure off ‘Hawaii 501’ booking hotels, flights etc and sorting out his schedule and exhibitions. She is more than just a wife!

For instance, after Mardle’s brilliant win over Taylor, there was no hanging about to celebrate. Wayne and Donna had left their dog cooped up in the kitchen of Billy Mardle – Wayne’s Dad – and Billy was pushing them out of the door at the Ally Pally. He was worried about what the dog might have left behind!!

Crissy Manley is a top ladies darts player in her own right and has appeared at the BDO Ladies World Championship at the Lakeside…..I’m told that on the odd occasions she practices with Peter, she more than holds her own. It wouldn’t do ‘One Dart’s’ reputation any good if it got out that he lost to Mrs Manley on the practice board!

Yvonne Taylor has been by husband Phil’s side from the start of his epic journey more than 15 years ago. When they first met, money was so tight that they rarely went out and when they got married, they couldn’t afford a house, so lived with the parents. How times have changed….Taylor is darts first millionaire and both deserve the rewards.

Janine is Kevin Painter’s partner…the couple have recently upped sticks and moved from Cambridgeshire to the West Midlands. She is a full-time mum, looking after two-year-old daughter Madison but Janine is also in the darts history books. She was one of the very best ladies players in Wales and as a teenager, was the first girl to win the Winmau World Youth Masters title twice.

Some of the girlfriends – like James Wade’s partner Sally – can hardly bring themselves to look. She hates watching her man ‘live’ and is quite often seen chewing her nails in the practice room! The pair are about to move into their first house – paid for by James’ fantastic year.

He has earned over £150,000 from tournament play alone, including twice pocketing £50,000 for his victories at the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix…..and it’s fair to say that Sally holds the purse strings in the Wade household, as James gets on with doing what he does best – winning!

Colin Lloyd’s fiancée Carol has just taken over as his manager – looking after business as ‘Jaws’ tries to bite his way back to the top of the darting tree. She used to work for top darts manufacturers Unicorn and the pair are getting married in August 2008.

Roland Scholten’s lady Mariia is by his side whenever it is possible, because she has a top job – flying VIPs all over the world. She is an air hostess and is often travelling to all corners of the world.

Chris Mason’s glamorous wife Lorna is a permanent fixture at every ‘Major’ darts event. She prides herself on her appearance and is always seen close to the stage, screaming her support for Chris whenever he is playing.

It can be a lonely life for the darts WAGS but they are all huge supporters of their husbands and partners and they always add something to the occasion!