Wes Newton has pledged his future to Unicorn by signing a new three-year contract with the world’s leading darts manufacturer.
And he will be promoted to become a Unicorn ‘Maestro’ in recognition of his achievements over the past 12 months, when Newton has been one of THE top performers on the PDC circuit – a run which has catapulted him into the world’s top 10 for the first time in his career.
“It has been a terrific year or so for me and to continue a great partnership with Unicorn is the icing on the cake for me,” he said.
Newton turned down other offers and revealed that “loyalty” was a big factor in his new deal.
“Unicorn stuck by me when I was really struggling a couple of years ago, when I had dropped out of the world’s top 32 and wasn’t playing on TV,” he said. “I will never forget that….loyalty is very important to me.”
2011 will be a big year in many ways for Newton on and off the oche…..his partner Stacy is due to give birth to the couple’s first child in June, while on the dart board, he has set himself some more targets.
“To get into the top eight and then the top five in the world has to be a realistic aim for me,” Newton said. “And there is no reason why I can’t really challenge for a major TV title.”
Newton has also set his sights on the Premier League. “It is what all darts players aspire to. It would be incredible for me to play in front of those amazing crowds week in, week out.”
His run to the quarter-finals of the World Championship at the Alexandra Palace – only to be pipped at the post in a dramatic match by Terry Jenkins – has given Newton the desire for more.
“I need to be involved in more massive matches like that and that is what I want to achieve this year,” he said.
It is all a far cry from a couple of years ago, when he fell from grace and was heading on a downward spiral….but Newton packed his job in and “gave myself a big kick up the backside” and through his ability and sheer hard work, he is now reaping the rewards.
By STUART PYKE
Photo courtesy Lawrence Lustig / PDC