The world of professional darts is in a state of shock after former prodigy Leighton Bennett, once hailed as a future superstar, was handed an eight-year ban for match-fixing. The 18-year-old’s dramatic fall from grace marks a tragic end to a career that promised to be legendary, leaving fans to wonder what might have been. At just 13, Bennett had already made headlines by defeating the sport’s greatest player, Phil “The Power” Taylor, in a stunning exhibition match. Now, the player known as “Boom Boom” has been found guilty of multiple charges, including fixing four matches and failing to cooperate with a subsequent investigation.
This ban, one of the longest in the history of the sport, is a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of gambling-related corruption. It brings a sudden and decisive halt to a career that seemed destined for greatness, especially after Bennett secured a coveted PDC Tour card earlier this year, setting up a potential rivalry with fellow young phenom Luke Littler.
A Meteoric Rise and an Abrupt Fall
Leighton Bennett’s journey into the spotlight began long before he could legally drive. In 2019, he became the youngest-ever winner of the BDO World Youth Championship, a victory that cemented his status as the sport’s next big thing. His talent was undeniable, and his confidence on the oche earned him the nickname “Boom Boom.” The pinnacle of his early career came when he faced off against the 16-time world champion, Phil Taylor. In a memorable exhibition match, the 13-year-old Bennett, showing a steely focus beyond his years, managed to secure a remarkable 4-1 victory.
“I feel like a kid on Christmas morning, I never believed this was possible,” Bennett said at the time, reflecting on his momentous win. He added that to keep his focus, he “didn’t even give Phil any eye contact just so I forgot that I was playing him!” This incredible achievement put him on the radar of every serious darts fan and pundit. Even Taylor, who had previously defeated him, was full of praise, calling Bennett “probably the best player I’ve ever seen for his age.” Taylor went on to suggest that “If anyone is going to challenge [Eric Bristow’s] record, it’s this lad.”
For a time, it seemed like Taylor’s prophecy might come true. Bennett continued to impress on the youth circuit, and his entry into the PDC Pro Tour was seen as the logical next step toward a professional career. After a few years of mixed results, he finally earned his PDC Tour card, a pivotal moment that seemed to signify the beginning of his true ascent into the top tier of darts. The prospect of a rivalry between him and Luke Littler, who had recently captivated the world with his own rapid rise, had fans buzzing with excitement.
The Charges and the Punishment
The dreams of a new darts rivalry came crashing down when the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) launched an investigation into Bennett. Suspicious betting patterns had been flagged by the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) concerning four of his matches during the MODUS Super Series in September 2023, a period just before he earned his PDC Tour card.
The DRA’s investigation found Bennett guilty on a total of 10 charges, a damning verdict that sealed his fate. The charges included:
- Fixing four matches
- Providing inside information about the matches
- Failing to assist with the investigation
- Signing a contract with an unregistered agent
Video evidence from one of the matches in question, where Bennett wildly missed the board entirely, was cited as part of the case against him, further solidifying the allegations of deliberate underperformance. The DRA also handed out a 10-year ban to another player, Billy Warriner, who was found guilty of acting as a go-between and organizing the fixed bets. Both players were also ordered to pay £8,100 each in costs.
The severity of the punishment reflects the zero-tolerance policy that darts authorities have toward match-fixing. Luke Humphries, a top-ranked player, commented on the situation, stating that he was pleased that such incidents were being “dealt with so strictly.” He added, “This shouldn’t even occur to you to do… Integrity is important in our sport.”
With the ban in place until August 11, 2032, Bennett’s return to the professional oche will not be possible until he is 27 years old. The once-bright future that was predicted for him has now been extinguished, serving as a cautionary tale about the pressures and pitfalls that young athletes face in the professional sports world.
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