DARTS icon Russ Bray has opened up on the time he lost his “head” at the oche.
Bray oversaw some of the tensest moments in darts history when he was a full-time referee.
He’s long been considered one of the coolest and calmest customers at the oche.
But that wasn’t always the case.
He once lost his rag when he was a player following a torrid match against Mick Manning, whom he grabbed after the Baldock thrower snubbed his post-match show of respect.
During an appearance on talkSPORT, he explained: “The only time I had a problem was years ago with Mick Manning.
“We played a dreadful match — best of five, went to 2–2, both stuck on double one.
“We both had about 30,000 darts at it. I finally hit it, shook his hand, and he slapped me out and called me something.
“I lost my head, grabbed hold of him, and we got separated. No punches or anything like that, though. That’s about it.”
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN
The retired Bray has fond memories of his playing and refereeing days.
He closed out his legendary career by overseeing the epic 2024 PDC Darts World Championship final match between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries.
He said: “What a final to go out on.
“Luke Humphries and Luke Littler were unbelievable. I knew I had a new role coming, and I closed that chapter.
“It wasn’t relief — it was excitement about what was next.”
