THE BAHRAIN DARTS Masters was forced to stop abruptly – after the lights went out.
In an embarrassing situation, the arena electricity appeared to trip, plunging the Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir into darkness on day two.
The Bahrain Darts Masters was temporarily suspended after the lights went out in the arenaCredit: ITV4
Gian van Veen and Danny Noppert were playing each other in the fourth and final quarter-final in the Middle Eastern nation.
The world championship finalist had just landed a double 13 to move 3-1 up this contest of the two Dutchmen.
When Noppert was at the oche, there was a loud click and then suddenly everything went black.
Fans started to cheer ironically and many got out their phones and turned on their torchlights.
Panicking TV producers moved away from live pictures and played some replays of previous action.
When it returned about four minutes later, new presenter Gabbie Partington joked: “Well, it is lights out and it is almost away you go.”
Partington – who is making her debut appearance on terrestrial TV this year – could not be seen on the screen but talked over a graphic of the route to the final.
Matchroom Media, who are producing the show for ITV this year, then had to show replayed footage of previous actions from the World Series of Darts circuit.
A message appeared on screen which said: “We apologise for the technical issues. The darts will recommence shortly.”
Rob Cross, who was watching from home, saw the funny side of the situation and given he was a former electrician, he said on social media: “I’m available if you need me @OfficialPDC.”
There was a delay for about 10 minutes before the players were able to resume throwing.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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