BRAVEDART Alan Soutar endured a 72-minute marathon darts test – as the Ally Pally wasp made a return.
The Scottish firefighter, 47, is one of the fittest men in the sport and is running the 2026 London Marathon to raise funds for Guide Dog Scotland.
Yet the former army commando wasted 15 match darts – including ten in one leg – and survived four before dispatching of Finnish debutant Teemu Harju in a sudden-death leg.
Rookie Harju, 33, was lucky not to get stung as a wasp clung to his collar for dear life for more than one set of Soutar’s 3-2 win.
The Arbroath ace, who faces Dutchman Gian van Veen next, said: “I was getting the steps in weren’t I? My watch is going crazy.
“It’s like, how many steps do you want to do? Just get this finished. You’re overtraining.
“I’ve done half marathons. I was a commando soldier so I’ve done 30 milers. But that was 20 years ago though.
“Obviously, I’m still a firefighter so I go on the treadmill and do a bit of running.
SNAP UP THESE TOP DARTS TRAVEL DEALS
NOTHING beats a trip to the darts.
The atmosphere is electric, the fancy dress is off the scale… and, of course, world-class darts.
We have some unbeatable offers to the best party in town.
*If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.
“I’m doing it with my darts manager. And he’s a little bit older than me and does no fitness at all.
“We’ve already agreed that we’re going to do it together and no matter what, we’re going to cross the line together.”
BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS
No8 seed Chris Dobey began his title charge with a 3-1 win over Chinese qualifier Xiaochen Zong.
Scott Williams averaged 99.25 and dropped just two legs as he battered Filippino Paolo Nebrida 3-0.
World Darts Championship 2025/26 – all the info
LUK OUT!
