Relive every World Grand Prix nine-dart finish with Coral

It took 14 years since the competition’s inception in 1998 until a nine-darter was witnessed, and many believed it would never be possible.

But the Northern Irishman became the first person to do so in his semi-final with defending champion Wade in 2010 on his way to winning 5-2, and thus his current nickname The History Maker was created.

Dolan, who needed up losing to Phil Taylor in the final, looked calm and composed throughout the achievement and, despite breaking ground, his celebration was rather understated!

James Wade (2014) v Robert Thornton

There’s something about 2007 and 2010 World Grand Prix champion Wade and being involved in some of the most iconic nine-dart finishes, as you’ll find out in the below section.

We all know that he was once even nicknamed 009 back in 2007 due to his numerous perfect legs achieved during his breakthrough in the PDC the year before.

Wade is one of the best finishers in the game, particularly on double 10 and 20, meaning this format suits him more than most.

The Englishman’s nine-darter came in a 3-2 second round victory over Robert Thornton in 2014, but it is what was to follow that made the occasion all the more miraculous…

Robert Thornton (2014) v James Wade

The Machine holds the record of being involved in all three nine-darters at the World Grand Prix, while him and Thornton are also the only ones to hit one each in the same televised match – although Taylor got two in the 2010 Premier League final (also against Wade).

Scotsman Thornton incredibly matched Wade’s feat in the second set, by following suit in the fourth to send the Irish crowd into raptures as they all witnessed history.

Both players could only cheer and smile in amazement, and showed each other respect with a shake of hands.

The Thorn seems to love this event as he is currently the title holder, after shocking Michael van Gerwen in last year’s final, which is perhaps down to his confidence of hitting double 20.

Watch the video of both Wade and Thornton hitting their nine-darters below….

Related

Read more on darts and the World Grand Prix in our extensive archive.

Check out our PDC World Championship nine-darters videos piece too.