Michael van Gerwen, Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis have been part of memorable oche arguments
Friday 2 October 2020 10:16, UK
After Michael van Gerwen's World Cup row with Adrian Lewis, we look back at five more memorable bust-ups on the oche.
Burning rivalries often boil over in the heat of battle and Lewis and Van Gerwen exchanged angry words after England defeated the Netherlands in last Sunday's final in Frankfurt.
This was just the latest fall-out in front of the cameras as players regularly lose their cool in the world of darts...
Michael van Gerwen v Peter Wright, 2015 Premier League
World No 1 Van Gerwen could not conceal his irritation after he was held to a 6-6 draw by Wright on a Premier League trip to Exeter.
In a brash display of showmanship, Wright had played to the crowd before throwing his dart at double 20, only to miss his intended target.
Grow up you big baby! It's about entertaining a crowd.
Van Gerwen would win the leg, but made a costly miss himself shortly afterwards and vented his frustration at 'Snakebite' after battling back to win the final leg and a share of the points.
"What that guy does has nothing to do with darts," Van Gerwen said. "He does it on purpose. He's not a professional."
Wright responded: "Grow up you big baby! It's about entertaining a crowd."
Phil Taylor v Raymond van Barneveld, 2012 World Championship
Taylor admitted he was 'ashamed' after his semi-final over Van Barneveld was overshadowed by a heated post-match argument.
After landing his winning dart, Taylor exchanged a strong handshake with Van Barneveld that sparked a brief bout of pushing and shoving.
I am ashamed of myself and I feel terrible.
Speaking afterwards, Taylor told Sky Sports: "It's upset me of course it has. To put the record straight, Raymond is a very strong lad and when he shook my hand and pulled me, he hurt me a little bit."
"That was all it was and I reacted, to be honest with you, disgracefully. I am ashamed of myself and I feel terrible."
Justin Pipe v Kevin Painter, 2012 World Grand Prix
Pipe also expressed remorse after his wild celebrations drew an angry reaction from Painter in Dublin.
The Taunton man, who is a former boxer, punched the air repeatedly in delight after his quarter-final win, leaving Painter to wait for the customary post-match hand shake.
An enraged Painter patted Pipe strongly on the back of the head and issued an angry rebuke, but the West Country player ignored his opponent's displeasure and treated the crowd to his trademark break dance celebration.
In the aftermath of his victory, Pipe used social media to convey an apology to Painter for his raucous behaviour.
Paul Nicholson v Phil Taylor, 2011 UK Open
Branded the 'Bad Boy' of darts, Nicholson lived up to his notoriety at the end of an exciting encounter with Taylor in the last-16.
Nicholson completed a 9-8 win and then appeared to mockingly bid farewell to Taylor, waving to the crowd as 'The Power' went to collect his equipment.
Taylor later described Nicholson's conduct as 'disrespectful', but 'The Asset' insisted his gesture should not have been viewed as an antagonistic send-off.
Adrian Lewis v Peter Manley, 2006 World Championship
Manley was considered a master of mind games and an exasperated Lewis marched off stage during their bad-tempered quarter-final at the Circus Tavern.
Lewis had become increasingly riled as 'One Dart' slowed down the tempo of the match, pausing after a failed attempt at a double.
Harsh words were exchanged after Lewis complained to referee Russ Bray and 'Jackpot' then made a swift exit from the stage while trailing 3-1.
Bray persuaded Lewis to resume the match, but Manley would have the final word as he completed a 5-3 victory.
