John Lowe (darts player)

English darts player (born 1945) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

John Lowe (born 21 July 1945)[1] is an English former professional darts player who was one of the most prominent throwers from the late 1970s onwards. Lowe was world champion on three occasions, in 1979, 1987 and 1993. He was also a two-time winner of the World Masters and lifted the World Cup singles title on two occasions. In total, Lowe won 15 British Darts Organisation (BDO) and World Darts Federation (WDF) majors. He held the World No. 1 ranking on four occasions. In October 1984, he became the first player to hit a televised nine-dart finish.

Nickname"Old Stoneface"
Born (1945-07-21) 21 July 1945 (age 80)
New Tupton, Derbyshire, England
HometownChesterfield, Derbyshire, England
Playingdartssince1966
Quick facts John Lowe MBE, Personal information ...
John Lowe
MBE
Lowe in 2009
Personal information
Nickname"Old Stoneface"
Born (1945-07-21) 21 July 1945 (age 80)
New Tupton, Derbyshire, England
Home townChesterfield, Derbyshire, England
Darts information
Playing darts since1966
Darts21g Unicorn John Lowe Phase 3 Gold 90%
LateralityRight-handed
Walk-on music"Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake
Organisation (see split in darts)
BDO1976–1993
PDC1993–2007 (founding member)
WDF major events – best performances
World ChampionshipWinner (3): 1979, 1987, 1993
World MastersWinner (2): 1976, 1980
PDC premier events – best performances
World ChampionshipSemi-final: 1995, 1996
World MatchplaySemi-final: 1995, 2002
World Grand PrixSemi-final: 2001
UK OpenLast 16: 2005
WSDT major events – best performances
World ChampionshipLast 16: 2022
World MatchplayLast 16: 2022
World MastersLast 16: 2022
Other tournament wins
News of the World 1981
Butlins Grand Masters 1977
MFI World Matchplay 1984
British Matchplay 1978, 1985
Australian Grand Masters 1985
Autumn Gold Cider Masters 1987
BDO British Classic 1981, 1982, 1985, 1987
BDO Gold Cup 1978, 1979, 1982
British Open 1977, 1988
British Pentathlon 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987
Canadian Open 1979, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1989
Denmark Open 1978, 1979, 1982, 1985, 1987
Dry Blackthorn Cider Masters 1983, 1986
Finnish Open 1992
French Open 1986
MFI World Pairs 1986
North American Open 1985, 1987
Welsh Open 1982
Other achievements
1984 – First televised nine-dart finish
1986 to 1993 – WDF England Captain (unbeaten)
Medal record
Men's Darts
Representing  England
WDF World Cup
Gold medal – first place1977 LondonMen's pairs
Gold medal – first place1979 Las VegasMen's pairs
Gold medal – first place1979 Las VegasMen's team
Gold medal – first place1979 Las VegasMen's overall
Gold medal – first place1981 NelsonMen's singles
Gold medal – first place1981 NelsonMen's team
Gold medal – first place1981 NelsonMen's overall
Gold medal – first place1983 EdinburghMen's pairs
Gold medal – first place1983 EdinburghMen's team
Gold medal – first place1983 EdinburghMen's overall
Gold medal – first place1985 BrisbaneMen's pairs
Gold medal – first place1985 BrisbaneMen's overall
Gold medal – first place1987 CopenhagenMen's pairs
Gold medal – first place1987 CopenhagenMen's team
Gold medal – first place1987 CopenhagenMen's overall
Gold medal – first place1989 TorontoMen's pairs
Gold medal – first place1989 TorontoMen's overall
Gold medal – first place1991 ZandvoortMen's singles
Gold medal – first place1991 ZandvoortMen's team
Gold medal – first place1991 ZandvoortMen's overall
Silver medal – second place1977 LondonMen's team
Silver medal – second place1977 LondonMen's overall
Bronze medal – third place1983 EdinburghMen's singles
Bronze medal – third place1985 BrisbaneMen's team
Bronze medal – third place1989 TorontoMen's team
WDF Europe Cup
Gold medal – first place1978 CopenhagenMen's singles
Gold medal – first place1978 CopenhagenMen's pairs
Gold medal – first place1978 CopenhagenMen's overall
Gold medal – first place1980 Ebbw ValeMen's team
Gold medal – first place1980 Ebbw ValeMen's overall
Gold medal – first place1984 The HagueMen's singles
Gold medal – first place1984 The HagueMen's team
Gold medal – first place1984 The HagueMen's overall
Gold medal – first place1986 TurkuMen's singles
Gold medal – first place1986 TurkuMen's pairs
Gold medal – first place1986 TurkuMen's team
Gold medal – first place1986 TurkuMen's overall
Gold medal – first place1988 YarmouthMen's overall
Gold medal – first place1990 PaolaMen's team
Gold medal – first place1990 PaolaMen's overall
Gold medal – first place1992 HelsinkiMen's team
Gold medal – first place1992 HelsinkiMen's overall
Silver medal – second place1990 PaolaMen's pairs
Silver medal – second place1992 HelsinkiMen's singles
Bronze medal – third place1978 CopenhagenMen's team
Bronze medal – third place1980 Ebbw ValeMen's pairs
Bronze medal – third place1988 YarmouthMen's team
Bronze medal – third place1992 HelsinkiMen's pairs
Updated on 19 October 2022.
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Lowe is one of only six players to have been world champion three or more times and was the first person to win it in three separate decades, one of only two players to do so. Amidst growing dissatisfaction with the British Darts Organisation, Lowe was also one of 16 players who in 1993 broke away to form their own governing body, the World Darts Council (now known as the Professional Darts Corporation).[2]

Career

Lowe won the World Championship title in three different decades – 1979, 1987 and 1993.[1] He met Eric Bristow six times in the World Championship in various semi-finals and finals,[3] and it was not until his fourth attempt (in the 1987 final) that he managed to overcome his rival. His record against Bristow in majors was three wins and six defeats.[3]

Lowe achieved the first-ever televised nine-dart finish on 13 October 1984,[4] during the World Matchplay tournament against Keith Deller,[4] although it was not live and instead shown on a highlights programme on ITV. It was achieved via a rare third-visit combination of treble 17, treble 18 and double 18.[4] For the nine-dart finish, Lowe received £102,000,[4] he went on to win the tournament, for which he received £12,000, and earned an additional £1,000 for the tournament's highest outshot (161).[4] This remained the highest amount of money earned by a darts player at a single tournament for almost two decades.[5]

In addition to his three world titles, Lowe has also won two World Masters titles,[1] two British Open titles,[1] two British Matchplay championships,[1] two World Cup Singles,[1] and three European Cup Singles Titles,[1] as well as other titles around the world in his career.[1] He played for England over 100 times and was WDF England captain between 1986 and 1993, during which time England remained unbeaten.[4]

John Lowe v Bob Anderson at the Winmau World Masters 1985 Quarter Final

A composed performer, his demeanor was captured in his nickname Old Stoneface,[4] which was also the title of Lowe's autobiography published in 2005.[6]

Lowe enjoyed an longevity in darts. He played in the televised stages of the World Championship for a then-record 28 consecutive years,[1] from the inaugural championship in 1978 to his last appearance in 2005.[7]

Lowe played at the Alexandra Palace in 1980 in front of 7,000 people in the News of the World Championship.[8]

Lowe also dominated the British Pentathlon event, winning it ten times, including six in a row from 1982 to 1987.[1] He stopped entering the event because the prizemoney had not changed in 12 years and cost players £100 to enter, plus expenses.[9]

Lowe was a founding member of the Professional Darts Players Association (PDPA). In 2005, he enjoyed a testimonial year in the sport to commemorate his 30th year as a professional. He attempted to qualify for the World Championship each year until 2008, but he fell short in the early qualifying rounds.[1] After this, he joined a short-lived venture, the Setanta Sports–televised BetFred League of Legends in 2008.[1]

Post-darts career

In May 2009, Lowe released a book, The Art of Darts, in which he offered his personal insights into the game to both amateur and aspiring professional dart players.[10] In 2013, The Art of Darts was produced in app-form for the iPhone and iPad.

In 2014, Lowe was one of several celebrities to take part in ITV's new game show Amazing Greys, in which members of the public take on icons of British sport and entertainment.[11]

Personal life

Lowe was born in New Tupton, Derbyshire. He is married to Karen and lives in Chesterfield. They both support Sunderland football club.[12] He was awarded an MBE in 2018.

World Championship results

[1]

John Lowe at the 1985 World Masters

BDO

  • 1978: Runner-up (lost to Leighton Rees 7–11 legs)
  • 1979: Winner (beat Leighton Rees 5–0 sets)
  • 1980: 2nd round (lost to Cliff Lazarenko 0–2)
  • 1981: Runner-up (lost to Eric Bristow 3–5)[3]
  • 1982: Runner-up (lost to Jocky Wilson 3–5)
  • 1983: Quarter-finals (lost to Keith Deller 3–4)
  • 1984: Semi-finals (lost to Eric Bristow 0–6)[3]
  • 1985: Runner-up (lost to Eric Bristow 2–6)[3]
  • 1986: Quarter-finals (lost to Bob Anderson 3–4)
  • 1987: Winner (beat Eric Bristow 6–4)[3]
  • 1988: Runner-up (lost to Bob Anderson 4–6)
  • 1989: Semi-finals (lost to Eric Bristow 1–5)[3]
  • 1990: 2nd round (lost to Ronnie Sharp 2–3)
  • 1991: 1st round (lost to Peter Evison 2–3)
  • 1992: Semi-finals (lost to Phil Taylor 4–5)
  • 1993: Winner (beat Alan Warriner 6–3)

PDC

[1]

  • 1994: Group Stage (beat Tom Kirby 3–2 and lost to Larry Butler 2–3)
  • 1995: Semi-finals (lost to Phil Taylor 4–5)
  • 1996: Semi-finals (lost to Phil Taylor 1–5)
  • 1997: Last 24 group (lost to Jamie Harvey 2–3 and beat Paul Lim 3–1)
  • 1998: Last 24 group (lost to Peter Manley 0–3 and lost to Gary Mawson 0–3)
  • 1999: 2nd round (lost to Phil Taylor 1–3)
  • 2000: Quarter-finals (lost to Dennis Smith 3–5)
  • 2001: 2nd round (lost to Jamie Harvey 0–3)
  • 2002: 2nd round (lost to Peter Manley 5–6)
  • 2003: 2nd round (lost to Les Fitton 1–4)
  • 2004: 3rd round (lost to Alan Warriner 3–4)
  • 2005: 2nd round (lost to John Verwey 2–3)

WSDT

[1]

  • 2022: 2nd round (lost to Dave Prins 0–3)

Career finals

BDO major finals: 25 (9 titles, 16 runners-up)

[1]

More information Legend ...
Legend
World Championship (3–5)
World Masters (2–3)
British Professional (0–4)
World Matchplay (1–1)
Grand Masters (1–2)
British Matchplay (2–1)
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More information Outcome, No. ...
Outcome No. Year Championship Opponent in the final Score[N 1]
Winner 1. 1976 Winmau World Masters (1) Wales Phil Obbard 3–0 (s)
Winner 2. 1977 Butlins Grand Masters (1) England Eric Bristow[3] 5–4 (l)[3]
Runner-up 1. 1978 World Darts Championship Wales Leighton Rees 7–11 (l)
Winner 3. 1978 British Matchplay (1) England Tony Brown 2–1 (s)
Runner-up 2. 1978 Butlins Grand Masters Wales Leighton Rees 2–5 (l)
Winner 4. 1979 World Darts Championship (1) Wales Leighton Rees 5–0 (s)
Winner 5. 1980 Winmau World Masters (2) Scotland Rab Smith 2–0 (s)
Runner-up 3. 1981 World Darts Championship (2) England Eric Bristow[3] 3–5 (s)
Runner-up 4. 1981 Butlins Grand Masters (2) England Eric Bristow[3] unknown
Runner-up 5. 1981 British Professional Championship Scotland Jocky Wilson 5–6 (s)
Runner-up 6. 1981 Winmau World Masters England Eric Bristow[3] 1–2 (s)
Runner-up 7. 1982 World Darts Championship Scotland Jocky Wilson 3–5 (s)
Runner-up 8. 1982 British Professional Championship (2) England Eric Bristow 3–7 (s)
Winner 6. 1984 MFI World Matchplay (1) England Cliff Lazarenko 5–3 (s)
Runner-up 9. 1984 British Professional Championship (3) England Mike Gregory 5–7 (s)
Runner-up 10. 1985 World Darts Championship (4) England Eric Bristow[3] 2–6 (s)
Winner 7. 1985 British Matchplay (2) England Cliff Lazarenko 3–0 (s)
Runner-up 11. 1985 British Professional Championship (4) England Eric Bristow[3] 4–7 (s)
Winner 8. 1987 World Darts Championship (2) England Eric Bristow[3] 6–4 (s)
Runner-up 12. 1987 MFI World Matchplay England Bob Anderson 1–5 (s)
Runner-up 13. 1987 Winmau World Masters (2) England Bob Anderson 1–3 (s)
Runner-up 14. 1988 World Darts Championship (5) England Bob Anderson 4–6 (s)
Runner-up 15. 1988 British Matchplay England Bob Anderson 2–3 (s)
Runner-up 16. 1988 Winmau World Masters (3) England Bob Anderson 2–3 (s)
Winner 9. 1993 World Darts Championship (3) England Alan Warriner 6–3 (s)
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WDF major finals: 6 (5 titles, 1 runner-up)

[1]

More information Legend ...
Legend
World Cup (2–0)
Europe Cup (3–1)
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More information Outcome, No. ...
Outcome No. Year Championship Opponent in the final Score[N 1]
Winner 1. 1978 Europe Cup Singles (1) Scotland Jocky Wilson 4–1 (l)
Winner 2. 1981 World Cup Singles (1) Scotland Jocky Wilson 4–3 (l)
Winner 3. 1984 Europe Cup Singles (2) Wales Leighton Rees 4–0 (l)
Winner 4. 1986 Europe Cup Singles (3) England Cliff Lazarenko 4–2 (l)
Winner 5. 1991 World Cup Singles (2) Wales Martin Phillips 6–4 (l)
Runner-up 1. 1992 Europe Cup Singles England Phil Taylor 2–4 (l)
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Independent major finals: 1 (1 title)

[1]

More information Outcome, No. ...
Outcome No. Year Championship Opponent in the final Score[N 1]
Winner 1. 1981 News of the World Championship (1) England Mick Norris 2–0 (l)
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  1. [1]
    (l) = score in legs, (s) = score in sets.

Performance timeline

CF= County Finals, DF= Divisional Finals [1]

More information Tournament ...
BDO majors performances
Tournament197619771978197919801981198219831984198519861987198819891990199119921993
BDO World Championship NYF RU W 2R RU RU QF SF RU QF W RU SF 2R 1R SF W
Winmau World Masters W QF 3R QF W RU 3R SF 4R QF 3R RU RU 1R SF QF 3R DNP
British Matchplay QF QF W QF QF QF SF SF QF W QF QF RU QF QF QF DNP
British Professional Not held RU RU SF RU RU 1R 2R 1R Not held
Butlins Grand Masters NH W RU SF SF RU SF QF QF SF 1R Not held
MFI World Matchplay Not held W 1R 1R RU QF Not held
News of the World ??? SF ??? CF SF W ??? DF CF ??? DF DF CF ??? Not held
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[1]

More information Tournament, Event ...
WDF majors performances
TournamentEventWorld Cup 1977Euro Cup 1978World Cup 1979Euro Cup 1980World Cup 1981Euro Cup 1982World Cup 1983Euro Cup 1984World Cup 1985Euro Cup 1986World Cup 1987Euro Cup 1988World Cup 1989Euro Cup 1990World Cup 1991Euro Cup 1992
WDF World Cup & WDF Europe Cup Singles L16 W QF L32 W DNP SF W L16 W L32 L32 L32 L32 W RU
Pairs W W W L16 RU W L16 W W W QF W RU L16 SF
Team RU SF W W W W W SF W W SF SF W W W
Overall RU W W W W W W W W W W W W W W
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[13][14]

More information Tournament ...
PDC majors performances
Tournament199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005
PDC World Championship RR SF SF RR RR 2R QF 2R 2R 2R 2R 2R
World Matchplay 1R SF 2R 1R 1R 1R QF 2R SF 1R 1R DNP
World Grand Prix Not yet founded QF DNP 1R SF 1R 1R DNP
UK Open Not held 3R 1R 6R
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[1]

More information Performance Table Legend ...
Performance Table Legend
W Won the tournament RU Runner-up SF Semifinalist QF Quarterfinalist #R
RR
L#		 Lost in # round
Round-robin
Last # stage		 DQ Disqualified
DNQ Did not qualify DNP Did not participate WD Withdrew NH Tournament not held NYF Not yet founded
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Nine-dart finishes

See also: Nine-dart finish

Lowe accomplished the first-ever televised nine-dart finish.

More information Date, Opponent ...
John Lowe televised nine-dart finishes
Date Opponent Tournament Method Prize
13 October 1984 England Keith Deller World Matchplay 3 x T20; 3 x T20; T17, T18, D18 £102,000[4]
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References

External links

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