John Lowe (darts player)

John Lowe
MBE
John Lowe; MBE
	Lowe in 2009
Personal information
Nickname	"Old Stoneface"
Born	21 July 1945 (age 78); New Tupton, Derbyshire, England
Home town	Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England
Darts information
Playing darts since	1966
Darts	21g Unicorn John Lowe Phase 3 Gold 90%
Laterality	Right-handed
Walk-on music	"Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake
Organisation (see split in darts)
BDO	1976–1993
PDC	1993–2007 (founding member)
WDF major events – best performances
World Ch'ship	Winner (3) 1979, 1987, 1993
World Masters	Winner (2) 1976, 1980
PDC premier events – best performances
World Ch'ship	Semi-Final: 1995, 1996
World Matchplay	Semi-Final: 1995, 2002
World Grand Prix	Semi-Final: 2001
UK Open	Last 16: 2005
WSDT major events – best performances
World Ch'ship	Last 16: 2022
World Matchplay	Last 16: 2022
World Masters	Last 16: 2022
Other tournament wins
News of the World	1981
Butlins Grand Masters	1977
MFI World Matchplay	1984
British Matchplay	1978, 1985
Australian Grand Masters	1985
Autumn Gold Cider Masters	1987
BDO British Classic	1981, 1982, 1985, 1987
BDO Gold Cup	1978, 1979, 1982
British Open	1977, 1988
British Pentathlon	1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987
Canadian Open	1986, 1987, 1989
Denmark Open	1978, 1979, 1982, 1985, 1987
Dry Blackthorn Cider Masters	1983, 1986
Finnish Open	1992
French Open	1986
MFI World Pairs	1986
North American Open	1985, 1987
Welsh Open	1982
Other achievements
	1984 – First televised nine-dart finish ; 1986 to 1993 – WDF England Captain (unbeaten)
Medal record
Men's Darts
Representing England
WDF World Cup
WDF Europe Cup
	Updated on 19 October 2022.

Last updated September 11, 2023

John Lowe MBE (born 21 July 1945) is an English former professional darts player. Along with Eric Bristow and Jocky Wilson, he was known for dominating darts during the 1980s. Lowe was world champion on three occasions, in 1979, 1987 and 1993. He was also a two-time winner of the Winmau World Masters and a two-time World Cup singles champion. In total, Lowe won 15 BDO and WDF majors. He held the World No. 1 ranking on four occasions. In October 1984, he became the first player to hit a televised nine-dart finish.

Lowe is one of only six players to have won the World Championship three or more times, and was the first person to win it in three separate decades; along with Phil Taylor, he remains one of only two players to achieve this. Amidst growing dissatisfaction with the British Darts Organisation, Lowe was also one of 16 players who in 1993 broke away to form their own governing body, the World Darts Council (now known as the Professional Darts Corporation).

Career

Lowe won the World Championship title in three different decades – 1979, 1987 and 1993. He met Eric Bristow six times in the World Championship in various semi-finals and finals, and it was not until his fourth attempt (in the 1987 final) that he managed to overcome his rival. His record against Bristow in majors was three wins and six defeats.^[1]

Lowe achieved the first ever televised nine-dart finish (the sport's equivalent of a 147 break in snooker) on 13 October 1984 during the World Matchplay tournament against Keith Deller, although it was not live and instead shown on a highlights programme on ITV. It was achieved via a rare third visit combination of treble 17, treble 18 and double 18. For the nine-dart finish, Lowe received £102,000. Lowe also went on to win the tournament, for which he received £12,000, and earned an additional £1,000 for tournament's highest outshot (161). This remained the highest amount of money earned by a darts player at a single tournament for almost two decades.^[2]

In addition to his three world titles, Lowe has also won two World Masters titles, two British Open titles, two British Matchplay championships, two World Cup Singles, and three European Cup Singles Titles, as well as other titles around the world in his career. He played for England over 100 times and was captain for seven years, during which time his team were unbeaten.^{[ citation needed ]}

Lowe gained credit for his decorum and sportsmanship at the oche, often in contrast to Eric Bristow. Lowe was also probably unique in darts in that he looked after his health, never developing the weight difficulties associated with darts players, though he did consume alcohol onstage alongside other players when it was still permitted during matches.^{[ citation needed ]}

Nicknames have always been common in darts, but Lowe never really had one which caught on. A composed performer, he did not have anything which stood out in his demeanour or personality – until someone decided to use these traits to come up with the nickname of "Old Stoneface". This is also the title of Lowe's autobiography which was published in 2005.^{[ citation needed ]}

Lowe has enjoyed a longevity at the sport. He played in the televised stages of the World Championship for a then record 28 consecutive years, from the inaugural championship in 1978 to his last appearance in 2005 where he was defeated by the Canadian John Verwey in a final leg tie-break.^{[ citation needed ]}

Lowe played at the Alexandra Palace in 1980 in front of 7,000 people in the News of the World Championship.^[3]

Lowe also dominated the British Pentathlon event, winning it ten times, including six in a row from 1982 to 1987. He stopped entering the event as the prizemoney had not changed in 12 years and it cost players £100 to enter, plus expenses.^[4]

Lowe was secretary of the World Professional Dart Players Association (later to become the Professional Dart Players Association (PDPA)), and in 2005, enjoyed a testimonial year in the sport to commemorate his 30th year as a professional. He attempted to qualify for the World Championship each year until 2008, but fell short in the early qualifying rounds. After joining a short-lived venture, the Setanta Sports-televised BetFred League of Legends in 2008, Lowe became ineligible to compete at the PDC World Championship so could not attempt to qualify for the 2009 event.^{[ citation needed ]}

Post-darts career

In May 2009, Lowe released a book, The Art of Darts, in which he offered his personal insights into the game to both amateur and aspiring professional dart players.^[5] In 2013, The Art of Darts was produced in app-form for the iPhone and iPad.

In 2014, Lowe was one of several celebrities to take part in ITV's new game show Amazing Greys , in which members of the public take on icons of British sport and entertainment.^[6]

Personal life

Lowe was born in New Tupton, Derbyshire. He is married to Karen and lives in Chesterfield. They both support Sunderland football club.^[7]

World Championship results

BDO

1978: Runner-up (lost to Leighton Rees 7–11 legs)
1979: Winner (beat Leighton Rees 5–0 sets)
1980: 2nd round (lost to Cliff Lazarenko 0–2)
1981: Runner-up (lost to Eric Bristow 3–5)
1982: Runner-up (lost to Jocky Wilson 3–5)
1983: Quarter-finals (lost to Keith Deller 3–4)
1984: Semi-finals (lost to Eric Bristow 0–6)
1985: Runner-up (lost to Eric Bristow 2–6)
1986: Quarter-finals (lost to Bob Anderson 3–4)
1987: Winner (beat Eric Bristow 6–4)
1988: Runner-up (lost to Bob Anderson 4–6)
1989: Semi-finals (lost to Eric Bristow 1–5)
1990: 2nd round (lost to Ronnie Sharp 2–3)
1991: 1st round (lost to Peter Evison 2–3)
1992: Semi-finals (lost to Phil Taylor 4–5)
1993: Winner (beat Alan Warriner 6–3)

PDC

1994: Group Stage (beat Tom Kirby 3–2 and lost to Larry Butler 2–3)
1995: Semi-finals (lost to Phil Taylor 4–5)
1996: Semi-finals (lost to Phil Taylor 1–5)
1997: Last 24 group (lost to Jamie Harvey 2–3 and beat Paul Lim 3–1)
1998: Last 24 group (lost to Peter Manley 0–3 and lost to Gary Mawson 0–3)
1999: 2nd round (lost to Phil Taylor 1–3)
2000: Quarter-finals (lost to Dennis Smith 3–5)
2001: 2nd round (lost to Jamie Harvey 0–3)
2002: 2nd round (lost to Peter Manley 5–6)
2003: 2nd round (lost to Les Fitton 1–4)
2004: 3rd round (lost to Alan Warriner 3–4)
2005: 2nd round (lost to John Verwey 2–3)

WSDT

2022: 2nd round (lost to Dave Prins 0-3)

Career finals

BDO major finals: 25 (9 titles, 16 runners-up)

Legend
World Championship (3–5)
World Masters (2–3)
British Professional (0–4)
World Matchplay (1–1)
Grand Masters (1–2)
British Matchplay (2–1)

Outcome	No.	Year	Championship	Opponent in the final	Score^{[N 1]}
Winner	1.	1976	Winmau World Masters (1)	Phil Obbard	3–0 (s)
Winner	2.	1977	Butlins Grand Masters (1)	Eric Bristow	5–4 (s)
Runner-up	1.	1978	World Darts Championship	Leighton Rees	7–11 (l)
Winner	3.	1978	British Matchplay (1)	Tony Brown	2–1 (s)
Runner-up	2.	1978	Butlins Grand Masters	Leighton Rees	unknown
Winner	4.	1979	World Darts Championship (1)	Leighton Rees	5–0 (s)
Winner	5.	1980	Winmau World Masters (2)	Rab Smith	2–0 (s)
Runner-up	3.	1981	World Darts Championship (2)	Eric Bristow	3–5 (s)
Runner-up	4.	1981	Butlins Grand Masters (2)	Eric Bristow	unknown
Runner-up	5.	1981	British Professional Championship	Jocky Wilson	5–6 (s)
Runner-up	6.	1981	Winmau World Masters	Eric Bristow	1–2 (s)
Runner-up	7.	1982	World Darts Championship	Jocky Wilson	3–5 (s)
Runner-up	8.	1982	British Professional Championship (2)	Eric Bristow	3–7 (s)
Winner	6.	1984	MFI World Matchplay (1)	Cliff Lazarenko	5–3 (s)
Runner-up	9.	1984	British Professional Championship (3)	Mike Gregory	5–7 (s)
Runner-up	10.	1985	World Darts Championship (4)	Eric Bristow	2–6 (s)
Winner	7.	1985	British Matchplay (2)	Cliff Lazarenko	3–0 (s)
Runner-up	11.	1985	British Professional Championship (4)	Eric Bristow	4–7 (s)
Winner	8.	1987	World Darts Championship (2)	Eric Bristow	6–4 (s)
Runner-up	12.	1987	MFI World Matchplay	Bob Anderson	1–5 (s)
Runner-up	13.	1987	Winmau World Masters (2)	Bob Anderson	1–3 (s)
Runner-up	14.	1988	World Darts Championship (5)	Bob Anderson	4–6 (s)
Runner-up	15.	1988	British Matchplay	Bob Anderson	2–3 (s)
Runner-up	16.	1988	Winmau World Masters (3)	Bob Anderson	2–3 (s)
Winner	9.	1993	World Darts Championship (3)	Alan Warriner	6–3 (s)

WDF major finals: 6 (5 titles, 1 runner-up)

Legend
World Cup (2–0)
Europe Cup (3–1)

Outcome	No.	Year	Championship	Opponent in the final	Score^{[N 1]}
Winner	1.	1978	Europe Cup Singles (1)	Jocky Wilson	4–1 (l)
Winner	2.	1981	World Cup Singles (1)	Jocky Wilson	4–3 (l)
Winner	3.	1984	Europe Cup Singles (2)	Leighton Rees	4–0 (l)
Winner	4.	1986	Europe Cup Singles (3)	Cliff Lazarenko	4–2 (l)
Winner	5.	1991	World Cup Singles (2)	Martin Phillips	6–4 (l)
Runner-up	1.	1992	Europe Cup Singles	Phil Taylor	2–4 (l)

Independent major finals: 1 (1 title)

Outcome	No.	Year	Championship	Opponent in the final	Score^{[N 1]}
Winner	1.	1981	News of the World Championship (1)	Mick Norris	2–0 (l)

1 2 3 (l) = score in legs, (s) = score in sets.

Performance timeline

BDO majors performances
Tournament	1976	1977	1978	1979	1980	1981	1982	1983	1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993
BDO World Championship	NYF		RU	W	2R	RU	RU	QF	SF	RU	QF	W	RU	SF	2R	1R	SF	W
Butlins Grand Masters	NH	W	RU	???		RU	???	QF	QF	SF	???	Not held
British Professional	Not held					RU	RU	SF	RU	RU	1R	2R	1R	Not held
British Matchplay	QF	QF	W	QF	???	QF	SF	SF	QF	W	QF	QF	RU	QF	QF	QF	DNP
MFI World Matchplay	Not held								W	1R	1R	RU	QF	Not held
Winmau World Masters	W	QF	3R	QF	W	RU	3R	SF	4R	QF	3R	RU	RU	1R	SF	QF	3R	DNP
News of the World	???	SF	???		SF	W	???									Not held

PDC majors performances
Tournament	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
PDC World Championship	RR	SF	SF	RR	RR	2R	QF	2R	2R	2R	2R	2R
World Matchplay	1R	SF	2R	1R	1R	1R	QF	2R	SF	1R	1R	DNP
World Grand Prix	Not yet founded				QF	DNP	1R	SF	1R	1R	DNP
UK Open	Not held									3R	1R	6R

WDF majors performances
Tournament	Event	World Cup 1977	Euro Cup 1978	World Cup 1979	Euro Cup 1980	World Cup 1981	Euro Cup 1982	World Cup 1983	Euro Cup 1984	World Cup 1985	Euro Cup 1986	World Cup 1987	Euro Cup 1988	World Cup 1989	Euro Cup 1990	World Cup 1991	Euro Cup 1992
WDF World Cup & WDF Europe Cup	Singles	L16	W	QF	L32	W	DNP	SF	W	L16	W	L32	L32	L32	L32	W	RU
	Pairs	W	W	W	L16	RU		W	W	W	W	W	QF	W	RU	QF	SF
	Team	RU	SF	W	W	W		W	W	SF	W	W	SF	SF	W	W	W
	Overall	RU	W	W	W	W		W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W

Performance Table Legend
W	won the tournament	RU	runner-up	SF	lost in the semi-finals	QF	lost in the quarter-finals	#R RR L#	lost in # round round robin last # stage
DNP	Did not participate	DNQ	Did not qualify	NH	Tournament not held	NYF	Not yet founded	#R RR L#	lost in # round round robin last # stage

Nine-dart finishes

Lowe accomplished the first ever televised nine-dart finish. This finish was not broadcast live.

John Lowe televised nine-dart finishes
Date	Opponent	Tournament	Method	Prize
13 October 1984	Keith Deller	World Matchplay	3 x T20; 3 x T20; T17, T18, D18	£102,000

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References

↑ "John Lowe V Eric Bristow Head To Head". Dartsdatabase.co.uk. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
↑ Chaplin, Patrick (2012). 180! : fascinating darts facts. Stroud. pp. 24–25. ISBN 9780752486116.
↑ Lowe, John [@jloweprodart] (27 December 2018). "Back to Ally Pally for the dart tonight, and for the guy who said I never played there, wrong, I played in the finals of the News of the World with 7,000 spectators present, that's double what it now holds, lost in the semi, went on to win it at Wembley Arena the year after" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
↑ Lowe, John [@jloweprodart] (11 June 2020). "I stopped playing in the Pentathlon after 10 wins, I liked the event, but the prize money was the same after 12 years, and it cost £100 to enter, plus your hotel, travel, food and drink, I can hear today's players laughing, but that was pioneering what they have today" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
↑ The Art of Darts. ASIN 0340976462.
↑ "– ITV". Archived from the original on 18 June 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
↑ "Legends of Darts". Legendsofdarts.com. 20 June 2014. Archived from the original on 9 January 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2015.

External links

Interview with John Lowe
John Lowe's profile and stats on Darts Database Archived 4 February 2019 at the Wayback Machine
John Lowe's Blog at Unicorn-Darts.com
Nine Dart Finish from 1984 on YouTube

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Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
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[score-8] 1 2 3 (l) = score in legs, (s) = score in sets.

[1] "John Lowe V Eric Bristow Head To Head". Dartsdatabase.co.uk. Retrieved 31 May 2015.

[2] Chaplin, Patrick (2012). 180! : fascinating darts facts. Stroud. pp. 24–25. ISBN 9780752486116.

[3] Lowe, John [@jloweprodart] (27 December 2018). "Back to Ally Pally for the dart tonight, and for the guy who said I never played there, wrong, I played in the finals of the News of the World with 7,000 spectators present, that's double what it now holds, lost in the semi, went on to win it at Wembley Arena the year after" (Tweet) – via Twitter.

[4] Lowe, John [@jloweprodart] (11 June 2020). "I stopped playing in the Pentathlon after 10 wins, I liked the event, but the prize money was the same after 12 years, and it cost £100 to enter, plus your hotel, travel, food and drink, I can hear today's players laughing, but that was pioneering what they have today" (Tweet) – via Twitter.

[5] The Art of Darts. ASIN 0340976462.

[6] "– ITV". Archived from the original on 18 June 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2014.

[7] "Legends of Darts". Legendsofdarts.com. 20 June 2014. Archived from the original on 9 January 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2015.

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