The Remarkable Career of English Darts Legend Phill Nixon
Born on March 13, 1956, in Durham, Phill Nixon’s journey to the top of the sport of darts was anything but ordinary. For years, Nixon honed his skills in local English leagues, establishing himself as a rock-solid player.
However, it wasn’t until 2007 that Nixon’s fortunes truly changed when he qualified for the BDO World Championship. Defying the odds, which had him pegged at 150/1 to become world champion, Nixon embarked on a stunning run.
“In the opening round, Nixon pulled off a major upset, sending seventh-seeded Darryl Fitton packing with a 3-1 victory. He followed that up by dispatching the tenth-seeded Martin Atkins 4-1 in the next round.”
Reaching the quarterfinals, Nixon found himself on the brink of collapse, but ultimately prevailed over Scotland’s Paul Hanvidge 5-4. Nixon’s dream run continued as he advanced to the semifinals, where he faced the equally surprising Dutchman Niels de Ruiter. In a closely contested affair, Nixon emerged victorious with a 6-4 scoreline, setting the stage for a final showdown against the top-seeded Martin Adams, who was also seeking his first world title.
The final itself was a legendary affair. Despite falling behind 6-0, Nixon refused to give up, and a dramatic comeback ensued. Adams missed four match darts, and Nixon seized the opportunity, clawing his way back to level the match at 6-6. The Lakeside audience was left in a frenzy, but in the decisive set, Adams proved too strong, and Nixon had to settle for the runner-up position, pocketing a respectable £30,000.
Nixon’s strong performances at the 2007 and 2008 BDO World Championships earned him a spot in the prestigious Grand Slam of Darts, but he was unable to make it past the group stage on both occasions.
Sadly, Nixon’s darts journey came to a tragic end in 2013 when he received the devastating news that he had been diagnosed with stomach, liver, and lung cancer. On August 9 of the same year, at the age of 57, Nixon passed away, leaving behind a legacy of determination, resilience, and the unforgettable memories of his remarkable 2007 World Championship run.
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