The 5,000 spectators at Alexandra Palace in London were just waiting for that. Looking at the schedule of the World Darts matches scheduled for this Monday evening, they had probably checked off this duel between Nathan Aspinall and Leonard Gates. Not because the two men are world stars, even if the first is still 15th in the world, but because their entries are iconic.
The “walk-ons” have become a tradition of these World Championships. Before each match, the players break through the crowd to the rhythm of music they have chosen, like boxers and MMA fighters. While some have opted for iconic songs from the Anglo-Saxon repertoire, offering scenes of incredible popular jubilation, others put on the show themselves, with some wild dance steps.
Nathan Aspinall and Leonard Gates fit into both categories. With his famous “Mr. Brightside” from The Killer, preceded by a few notes from Eminem, the former ignites the audience with each of his appearances. Arms crossed, he takes advantage each time of these 5,000 disguised fans who sing in unison and finish a cappella. A great moment that he experienced again this Monday evening.
His American opponent is a showman at heart. On the song “Too Hot ta Trot” by the funk group “The Commodores”, Leonard Gates offered irresistible dance steps, forgetting, however, the ski mask he wore over his eyes before his first round. A hilarious moment that even the referees and his opponents can’t resist, still amazed by the spectacle on offer.
After such a sequence, the match almost became trivial. However, it was crucial, with qualification for the 3rd round after Christmas. And when a darts player is still in contention after New Year’s Eve, his tournament is usually very successful.
