Table of Contents
- Retirement Announcement
- Career Start
- Notable Feud
- Transition to Commentary
- Financial Struggles
- Career Revival
DARTS star Paul Nicholson announced his retirement live on television to embark on a new career path.
Nicholson began his professional playing career in 1990 and secured victory in the Players Championship Finals in 2010.
Paul Nicholson retired from darts live on TVCredit: Getty
He is also well-known for his rivalry with an English legend after defeating him in the 2011 UK Open.
Nicholson ceased competitive play in 2018 when he transitioned into commentary and media, although he had not officially declared his retirement until now.
That changed at the Modus Super Series, where the 46-year-old confirmed that his playing days had come to an end.
He stated: “I can finally share this out loud for the first time: I am retired. I have chosen to stop playing darts.”
“This decision came to me at the start of the new year. I am fully committed to my media career now and will no longer participate in darts.”
Prior to his media career, Nicholson faced challenges after experiencing a decline in form that affected his earnings from darts.
He expressed on the Tops and Tales Podcast: “I struggled to qualify for the Worlds for a while.”
“The European Tour became very challenging to enter after I had previously been a seeded player for the first two or three seasons, and tour life changed.”
“My income significantly decreased, and by 2016, I was close to losing my tour card. I was nearly out of funds.”
“I had to sell my house and moved in with my girlfriend, who supported me for a while.”
“There was a moment in the summer of 2016 when I had to swallow my pride and decided, ‘I need to get a job.’”
“I hadn’t held a job since 2008, so after eight years, I wondered what I could do. I was once among the top 10 players in the world.”
“This was a significant wake-up call. I ended up working at a golf club in the bar. I got the job and thought, ‘Alright, let’s make this work.’”
Nicholson’s fortunes changed when his agent, Dave Allen, helped him secure a commentary position that would pave the way for his future career.
He recalled: “That same week, my savior, Dave Allen, called me.”
“He said, ‘Rod Harrington can’t attend the Austrian darts event next week, and since you have some commentary experience, would you like to work there with Chris Murphy and Dan Dawson?’”
“I eagerly accepted. Yes, please! I had done some commentary gigs before, but this was my big break.”
“Vienna 2016 was an incredible tournament, coinciding with Phil Taylor’s last European tour event, which he won. It was his final one, but my first, marking the shift towards my media career.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Paul Nicholson retire from darts?
Paul Nicholson decided to retire from darts to focus entirely on his media career, stating that he has chosen not to play darts anymore.
What significant achievement did Paul Nicholson have in his darts career?
Paul Nicholson won the Players Championship Finals in 2010, which is one of the notable achievements in his professional darts career.
When did Paul Nicholson start his professional darts career?
Paul Nicholson started his professional darts career in 1990.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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