John Part

Early Career and BDO World Championship Breakthrough

John Part's journey into professional darts began in Toronto, Ontario, where he received a dartboard as a Christmas present in 1987. Despite limited television coverage of the sport in Canada, he studied the game by watching broadcasts of the World Professional Darts Championship and the World Masters, learning from champions like Bob Anderson. Part began playing pub games in 1989 and won his first significant title at the Syracuse Open in 1991, the same year he turned professional. He soon represented Canada in the WDF World Cup, crediting the North American game for developing his skills against top regional players. By 1993, he was Canada's highest-ranked player and, alongside Carl Mercer, won the Pairs Championship at the 1993 WDF World Cup. Part qualified for the 1994 BDO World Darts Championship as a relative unknown in a field reshaped by a recent split in the sport.

He caused an immediate sensation by defeating second seed Ronnie Baxter in straight sets in the first round. He then swept through the tournament, beating Paul Lim, Steve McCollum, and Ronnie Sharp while dropping only a single set. In the final, he faced veteran Bobby George and secured a dominant 6-0 victory in sets. This triumph, achieved just over six years after getting his first dartboard, made Part the first non-British world champion and one of the few to win on their debut. His achievement of conceding only one set in a world championship run has been matched only by Eric Bristow in 1984 and Phil Taylor in 2001.

Transition to the PDC and Building a Rivalry

The mid-to-late 1990s proved challenging for Part as he struggled to build on his early success. He won the Canadian Open and Canadian National Championships in 1995 but could not advance past the second round in his BDO World Championship title defence that year. After failing to reach another BDO quarter-final, Part left the British Darts Organisation in June 1997 to join the rival Professional Darts Corporation. His initial results in the PDC were indifferent, with early exits in the 1998 and 1999 PDC World Championships. The turn of the millennium brought modest improvements, including a victory at the Eastbourne Open in 2000 and a quarter-final appearance at the 2000 PDC World Grand Prix, hinting at better form to come. The 2001 PDC World Darts Championship marked a crucial moment, as Part reached his first major PDC final.

He advanced comfortably before meeting the dominant Phil Taylor, who was on a streak of six consecutive world titles. Taylor delivered a stunning performance, averaging 107.46 and winning the final 7-0, a match commentators described as an annihilation. Rather than diminish his confidence, this defeat motivated Part to challenge the sport's best. Over the next two years, he won several minor titles, rose to world number two, and developed a fierce rivalry with Taylor. This period included several narrow televised defeats to Taylor, including a heartbreaking 18-16 loss in the 2002 World Matchplay final after leading 16-15.

2003 PDC World Championship Victory and World Number One

Entering the 2003 PDC World Championship as the number two seed, Part faced significant odds against the heavily favoured Phil Taylor. Taylor had won eight consecutive world titles and held a 44-match winning streak in the tournament, while Part had lost all five of their previous televised meetings. Part announced his intent immediately, checking out 121 on the bullseye in the first leg. He raced to leads of 3-0 and 4-1 before Taylor fought back to lead 5-4. Part then won two sets to lead 6-5, but Taylor forced a deciding set. In that final set, Part broke Taylor's throw and held his nerve to win the title with his first match dart, ending Taylor's historic streak. This victory, often cited as one of the greatest darts matches ever, was Part's second world championship and the one he has described as the most special.

This victory made John Part the first non-British player to win the PDC World Championship. He also became one of only four men to have won both the BDO and PDC versions of the world title. With this win, Part ascended to the PDC world number one ranking. This achievement cemented his status at the pinnacle of the sport.

Major Results and Televised Performances (2003 to 2005)

The years following his 2003 world title were a mix of televised triumphs over Phil Taylor and frustration in major finals. Part won the UK Open Southwest Regional Final in 2003, beating Taylor along the way, and added the Windy City Open and two Vauxhall Opens to his collection. However, he struggled to secure another major title during this period. He defeated Taylor in the semi-final of the 2003 Las Vegas Desert Classic but lost the final to Peter Manley. Part also reached the 2003 World Grand Prix final, where Taylor defeated him 7-2. His defence of the PDC world title in 2004 ended in the third round with a loss to Mark Dudbridge. Despite Taylor's dominance, Part remained his most consistent challenger, responsible for four of Taylor's five televised losses between 2003 and 2005.

Key victories included an 8-6 win over Taylor in the 2004 UK Open quarter-finals and a dramatic 16-11 victory in the 2005 World Matchplay quarter-finals, which ended Taylor's 27-match winning streak in that event. However, Part lost in the subsequent final of both those tournaments. His participation in the inaugural Premier League in 2005 was difficult, as he lost six successive matches to finish sixth. The period was defined by near-misses, as Part lost in three major finals after defeating Taylor earlier in the same events.

• 2003: Lost Las Vegas Desert Classic final to Peter Manley.
• 2003: Lost World Grand Prix final to Phil Taylor.
• 2004: Lost UK Open final to Roland Scholten.
• 2005: Lost World Matchplay final to Colin Lloyd.

Las Vegas Triumph and 2008 World Championship

The Professional Darts Corporation changed in 2006 with the arrival of Raymond van Barneveld, who quickly became Phil Taylor's primary rival. Part's status was challenged by a third-round exit in the 2006 PDC World Championship. However, he experienced a career renewal that year by winning his first major title since 2003 at the Las Vegas Desert Classic. The tournament had been fruitful for Part, as he reached six semi-finals in its eight-year history. In the 2006 final, he faced van Barneveld, who had just beaten Taylor. After a tense 3-3 start, Part won nine of the next eleven legs to secure a 6-3 victory and the title. Part entered the 2008 PDC World Championship ranked eighth and not among the favourites, and he progressed through a difficult draw that included matches against Adrian Lewis and Wayne Mardle.

He defeated notable players like Lewis and Mardle to reach the final, where he faced the unseeded Kirk Shepherd, who had made a surprising run. Part controlled the final, winning 7-2 to claim his third world championship. This victory made him the first player to win world titles at three different venues (Lakeside, Circus Tavern, Alexandra Palace) and the first to win at the Alexandra Palace. He joined an elite group of players with three or more world championships, alongside Phil Taylor, Eric Bristow, Raymond van Barneveld, and John Lowe.

Later Career and Hall of Fame Induction

Following his 2008 world title, Part remained a competitive force on the tour but did not add another major championship. He continued to compete in PDC events, maintaining his status as a respected and experienced competitor. His career statistics and groundbreaking achievements for North American darts were formally recognized in 2017 when he was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame. This honour solidified his legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats. In his post-playing career, Part has transitioned into a role as a commentator, providing analysis and insight for PDC broadcasts. His deep understanding of the game, forged through decades at the highest level, makes him a valued voice in darts media.

Career Statistics and Records

John Part's career is distinguished by a unique set of records and statistical achievements that highlight his pioneering role in darts. He holds the record for the longest gap between world championship victories, a nine-year span shared with Ted Hankey. His three world titles came across two different organizations and three different venues, demonstrating his longevity and adaptability. Part is one of only four players to have won both the BDO and PDC world championships. As the first non-British world champion and the only non-European to win the PDC World Championship, he broke significant barriers in a sport traditionally dominated by the United Kingdom and Europe.

Beyond his world championships, John Part's career includes a major title at the 2006 Las Vegas Desert Classic. He also achieved runner-up finishes in the World Matchplay in 2002 and 2005. Part was also a finalist in the World Grand Prix in 2002 and 2003 and in the UK Open in 2004. His consistent ability to challenge Phil Taylor during the latter's peak years remains a defining feature of his career record.

Questions about John Part

How many world championships did John Part win?

John Part won three world championships. His first came at the 1994 BDO World Darts Championship. He then won the PDC World Darts Championship twice, in 2003 and 2008. This makes him one of only a handful of players to have won three or more world titles.

What is John Part's most famous match?

John Part's most famous match is widely considered to be the 2003 PDC World Championship final against Phil Taylor. He defeated the heavily favoured Taylor, who was on an eight-title winning streak, in a dramatic deciding set. The match is regularly cited as one of the greatest in darts history. Part himself has called it the most special of his victories.

What records does John Part hold?

John Part holds several significant records. He was the first non-British player to win a darts world championship (1994) and the only non-European to win the PDC World Championship. He shares the record for the longest gap between world titles (nine years). He is also the first player to win world championships at three different venues: Lakeside, the Circus Tavern, and Alexandra Palace.

Why is John Part called 'Darth Maple'?

John Part is nicknamed 'Darth Maple'. This moniker combines the well-known Star Wars villain Darth Vader with the maple leaf, a classic Canadian symbol. The nickname reflects his formidable and serious presence on the oche during his peak years. It was earned as he became a dominant force in darts, particularly during his three World Championship victories. As a three time world champion and the first non British player to win a world title, his imposing competitive style solidified this memorable nickname.

Is John Part in the Hall of Fame?

Yes, John Part was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame in 2017. This honour recognizes his status as one of the greatest players in the sport's history. His induction is based on his three World Championship wins, in 1994, 2003, and 2008. He is statistically North America's greatest darts player and a trailblazer as the first non British world champion. The Hall of Fame honour cements his legacy alongside other legends like Phil Taylor and Eric Bristow.

What is John Part doing now?

John Part is currently a commentator for the Professional Darts Corporation. He provides analysis and commentary during televised PDC events. This role follows his illustrious career as a professional player, where he won three world championships. His deep understanding of the game, forged through legendary matches against rivals like Phil Taylor, informs his broadcasting. He transitioned to this role after retiring from full time competition, remaining a prominent figure in the sport.

Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Yadude Books desk. Last updated 2026-11-04.