Inside the WDF

Inside the WDF Episode #59 - Nitin Kumar, Benjamin Pratnemer

In this week's episode, Andrew is joined by Nitin Kumar and Benjamin Pratnemer to recap the recent action in Serbia and Slovenia. Nitin (3:58) discusses the emotions of his first international tournament since the onset of the pandemic, managing his mental wellbeing during COVID, the current state of Indian darts, the end of his agreement with Target, missing Alexandra Palace last year, planning to travel to three events in Russia and his driving goal for the rest of this year. Benjamin (23:56) joins the show to talk about being tournament director of the first WDF Slovenian Open, how the entry levels compared with his expectations, winning the event himself, how he got into the sport and his aim of qualifying for Lakeside 2022. Andrew also discusses the recent confirmation of the WDF World Championships qualification criteria. Enjoy!

Inside the WDF Episode #58 - Matt Stoner, Jason Brandon, Paula Murphy

In this week's episode, Andrew is joined by Matt Stoner, Jason Brandon and Paula Murphy. ADO Vice-President Matt joins the show (3:54) to talk the logistics of the recent Charlotte Open weekend, the rise of Jules van Dongen, the Gold Seacoast Open event later this year and what the WDF's new tournament formats mean for the growth of the North American game. USSDA National Cricket Champion Jason Brandon (22:41) discusses his roots in Cowan, Tennessee, the best darts weekend of his career in North Carolina, coming through the World Masters qualifier, the importance of family and why he's committed to the WDF for 2021. Paula Murphy (40:28) then rounds out this week's guests, talking about her Charlotte Open triumph, being inspired by Lisa Ashton and her new travelling companion Mr Bigglesworth. Andrew also pays tribute to the 2004 BDO World Champion, who passed away last week. Enjoy!

Inside the WDF Episode #57 - Ben Robb

In this week's episode, Andrew chats with New Zealand standout Ben Robb (1:40). The pair discuss: Ben's win at the recent John Wilkie Memorial, his strong first half of 2021, what he's taken from online darts, qualifying for the World Masters, the passing of Stephen Gooch, lessons learned from his Ally Pally debut, aiming for a big December and January in the UK, his route into the sport from basketball, the origins of his nickname, why uplifting those around him is so important, being inspired by his children, representing New Zealand and much more. Enjoy!

Inside the WDF Episode #56 - Jules van Dongen, Dani Warmack

In this week's episode, Andrew is joined by the two winners of the recent Cherry Bomb International in Florida - Jules van Dongen and Dani Warmack. van Dongen (1:09) discusses how his game developed hugely during 2020, what it'll mean to play in the World Masters in his home country later this year, applying for American citizenship, bringing Andrew some Whiskey to Assen and much more. American international Warmack (22:57) explains how a night at the karaoke got her into darts, being mentored by Joe Chaney, the power of self-belief and uplifting others, her unusually modded darts and the potential for a country music walk-on. Enjoy!

Inside the WDF Episode #55 - Wendy Harper

In this week's episode, Andrew is joined by veteran New Zealand thrower Wendy Harper. The pair discuss Wendy's recent run to the New Zealand Masters final, declining participation in ladies events in NZ, not knowing she'd qualified for the World Masters, New Zealand's COVID response and the issues that's caused, her lengthy experience with online darts, how her knee replacements affected her throw, aims of spending six months in Europe playing darts, a memorable event in Australia involving Phil Taylor, Russ Bray and a Haka, her plans for the rest of 2021 and much more. Enjoy!

Inside the WDF Episode #54 - Laura Turner and Gavin Smith

In this week's episode, Andrew is joined by the two 2021 Gibraltar Open Singles champions, Laura Turner and Gavin Smith. Laura (0:36) discusses the limited numbers in the ladies' comp, playing in her first ranking event since the Isle of Man last March, a full week of events in Gibraltar, a bigger ladies' field at the WDF World Championships, her role with MAD and doing commentary at the forthcoming World Matchplay. Gavin (16:58) talks about his maiden career ranking title, only going to Gibraltar to support his son in the JDC Virtual event, not knowing the event was even ranked when he entered, beating Toni Alcinas in the semis, his past battle with dartitis, his plans for the year ahead and looking forward to playing alongside his son at the World Masters. Enjoy!

Inside the WDF Episode #53 - Richard Ashdown

In this episode, Andrew is joined by WDF Chief Development Officer Richard Ashdown to discuss the announcement of the WDF World Championship. Richard answers questions about whether Lakeside was always their first choice, TV deals outside Europe, any updates on qualification criteria and prize money, longer games in the ladies' tournament, 'clashing' with the PDC Worlds and a National League weekend and much more. Richard also gives his thoughts on MAD and their World Championship and a potential third series of Alan Carr's Epic Gameshow. Enjoy!

Inside the WDF Episode #52 - Landon Gardiner

In this episode, Andrew is joined by the first winner of a WDF-ranked event in 449 days, Canterbury Open champion Landon Gardiner. The pair discuss Landon's maiden ranking title, his best performances in the tournament, the emotions of his final win over Craig Ross, not knowing he'd qualified for the World Masters, switching from rugby and golf to darts, taking inspiration from his dad and children, plans for the future and much more. Andrew also gives his thoughts on the announcement of the inaugural WDF World Championship. Enjoy!

Inside the WDF Episode #51 - Russell Stewart

In this episode of the podcast, Andrew is joined by Australian legend Russell Stewart. 'Rusty' pays tribute to friend and great rival Terry O'Dea, who passed away last week at the age of 76. The pair discuss the sort of man Terry was, Russell's memories of travelling and rooming with him at Jollees, playing for the national team together, his influence on future generations of Australian players and how Russell feels he should be remembered by the darting community. They also talk about Russell's retirement from active competition earlier this year and the return of the Russell Stewart Classic. Enjoy!

Inside the WDF Episode #50 - Bob Wilson

In Episode 50 of the podcast, Andrew chats with chairman of the New Zealand Darts Council, Bob Wilson. They discuss Bob's 47-year involvement in the sport, taking chairmanship of the NZDC four years ago, getting record numbers at an event in February this year, New Zealand playing host to the WDF's restart at the Canterbury Open, wanting to get more ladies involved in darts, planning for a WDF Gold event in 2022, the potential addition of streaming and DartConnect to NZDC events and much more. Enjoy!