Contenders
Contenders
The new look 2010 Contenders now feature Paul Nicholson, Jamie Caven, Kirk Shepherd, Wes Newton, Barrie Bates and Mick McGowan. These 6 players are exactly what they’re called; professionals establishing their careers in darts, snapping at the heels of the established players and likely to surprise many with their skill, dedication and 'can do' enthusiasm. They know no fear and the world titles are theirs for the taking.
He has fought his way through a lot of adversity….escaping with his life in a terrible accident and being forced to deal with a serious blood disorder but he is still one of the best darts players that Ireland has produced and Mick McGowan won’t give up until he has tasted success again.
It really has been a big test of McGowan’s courage and determination that he still has the desire to play darts at the highest level.
Mick McGowan
Barrie Bates is proudly flying the flag for Wales! He is top Welshman in the PDC and has been a fixture in the world's top 16 for the last two years.
Now, it's time for the likeable Bates to put his injury woes behind him and build on the solid foundations he has put down in his chosen sport.
Barrie Bates
Wes Newton has been there or thereabouts for many years – plying his trade at the very top level in the Professional Darts Corporation but now is surely the time for him to kick on to greater things.
As the world of darts becomes tougher and more competitive by the month, Wes is scrapping to stay in the world’s top 32.
Wes Newton
Kirk Shepherd has already written one of the most remarkable chapters in the history of the sport, when a young man lived the dream… now he faces an even bigger challenge – turning dreams into reality.
Since stunning the world of darts by reaching the final of the World Championship, the 22-year-old has suffered from ‘second year syndrome’ as he failed to live up to expectations after his glorious run at the Alexandra Palace.
Kirk Shepherd
It is a remarkable darting story – how Jamie Caven has overcome some major handicaps in his life to become one of the best players in the business.
Caven has been blind in his right eye since he was a baby and when he was 20, he had his pancreas removed, which has left him needing four insulin injections a day for the rest of his life.
Jamie Caven
He is one of darts shining lights, one of the sport’s true characters and he’s already a big winner of one of darts ‘TV Major’ tournaments.
Paul Nicholson