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Archive Series

Greatest Matches

A true match archive has to do more than list scorelines. The point is to capture why a game mattered, what turned it, and why fans still talk about it years later.

Last verified: 7 April 2026Format: landmark matches onlyBuilt for future highlight linking
Entry 1

Michael Smith vs Michael van Gerwen, 2023 World Championship Final

Why it belongs: A world final, a title breakthrough, and one of the most replayed legs in the history of the sport.

ScoreSmith won 7-4 in sets.
Turning pointThe leg where Van Gerwen missed double 12 for a nine-darter and Smith finished one himself became instant folklore.
LegacyThe final turned Smith from nearly-man into world champion and gave modern darts one of its signature clips.
Entry 2

Raymond van Barneveld vs Phil Taylor, 2007 World Championship Final

Why it belongs: For many fans this remains the classic final, not just because of the quality but because it felt like a power shift unfolding live on stage.

ScoreVan Barneveld won 7-6 in sets.
Turning pointThe match kept refusing to settle, which gave the final its legendary epic quality.
LegacyIt became the rivalry touchstone and one of the strongest arguments for darts as major live television drama.
Entry 3

John Lowe's televised nine-darter, 1984

Why it belongs: This was one of those moments when darts produced a feat that even non-fans could understand instantly.

MomentA televised perfect leg that became part of the sport's permanent memory.
LegacyIt gave early TV-era darts one of its most portable myths and a benchmark for perfection.
How this page will improve
Next
Add match-by-match source notes

Each featured entry should end with a compact source block and, where available, a highlight or replay link.

After that
Introduce filters

Fans should eventually be able to browse by tournament, player, decade, or type of moment.