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You are in: Special Events: 2000: World Darts Championship |
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Wednesday, 10 January, 2001, 11:48 GMT
Painter brushes up darts profile
Smart guy - Kevin Painter makes the effort
World Championship sixth seed Kevin Painter says the old image of darts players as beer-swilling brutes is definitely now a thing of the past.
Painter, who prides himself on his appearance, has been nicknamed "Pretty Boy" by Bobby George, but the 33-year-old from Cambridgeshire says he is one of a new breed. "Darts players have been slagged off for years because people tend to think we all have beer bellies," said Painter, who has a reputation on the circuit for being a model professional. Smart dress "But that was donkey's years ago. It's not like that now - the players have a lot more pride in themselves these days. "They drink water on stage and dress a lot more smartly.
"I've been given the nickname 'Snappy' by the MC, Martin Fitzmaurice, because
I always make an effort to look the part.
"I think it's a professional player's duty to do that." Painter admits he is partial to the odd drink, though players such as Australian Tony David are staunch teetotallers. David was knocked out of the Embassy World Darts Championship by man-mountain Andy Fordham.
Old guard Fordham is a publican and he suggests David's lifestyle is "a bit worrying", though it is fair to say that "The Viking" is most definitely one of the old guard. Players are no longer allowed to drink on stage in an attempt to rid the game of his boozy image. Tobacco sponsorship is still prevalent though and the sport's two rival world championships are backed by a cigarette firm and a brand of lager.
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See also:
08 Jan 01 | World Darts Championship
10 Jan 01 | World Darts Championship
09 Jan 01 | World Darts Championship
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