Chris Johns (darts player)

Last updated
Chris Johns
Personal information
Born (1958-08-10) 10 August 1958 (age 67) [1]
Wales
Home townAberdare
Darts information
Laterality Right-handed
Organisation (see split in darts)
BDO ?–1993, 1993–present
PDC 1993 (founding member)
WDF major events – best performances
World Championship Last 16 1988, 1992
World Masters SF 1986
Other tournament wins
BDO Gold Cup 1989

Chris Johns (born 10 August 1958) is a Welsh former professional darts player.

Johns played in BDO tournaments in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1986, Johns beat reigning world champion Eric Bristow in the last 16 of the World Masters [2] before losing in the semi finals to Bob Anderson. In 1989 he won the BDO Gold Cup beating Eric Bristow in the quarter finals, Jamie Harvey in the semi finals and Robbie Widdows in the final. [3] Before his Gold Cup triumph, some in the darts world had speculated that Johns couldn't handle the pressure to win a big title. [3] In 1993, Johns was one of 16 players to leave the BDO to join the WDC (later PDC). However, in October 1993, Johns returned to the BDO, complaining of a lack of televised WDC tournaments. "I've only been able to play in a couple of televised tournaments, which was the main reason I went to the WDC in the first place. Things haven't worked out." [4] Johns also said "as it is I've been playing in the local leagues recently just to ensure myself of some regular practice." [4] Although Johns returned to the BDO, he did not play in the final stages of a major event again. Little is known of his subsequent career, though it is believed he played locally in South Wales. [5] Of the remaining 15 founding member players of the WDC, only Mike Gregory followed Johns in returning to the BDO. [5]

References

  1. "Chris Johns". MasterCaller. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  2. "Johns beats Bristow". South Wales Echo (Cardiff). 6 December 1986. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  3. 1 2 "Johns has Gold Cup triumph". South Wales Echo (Cardiff). 24 November 1989. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  4. 1 2 "Johns back in BDO fold". South Wales Echo (Cardiff). 29 October 1993. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
  5. 1 2 "Forgotten thrower Chris Johns". Darts Planet. Retrieved 13 November 2025.