In one of the most extraordinary moments in recent darts history, veteran player **Kevin Painter** stunned fans by claiming the opening leg of a match while his opponent, **Richie Burnett**, remained stuck on the starting score of 501—without registering even a single point.
The incredible scene unfolded during a group stage encounter in the Modus Super Series, a competitive weekly tournament known for its innovative formats. This particular event featured the challenging “Double Trouble” variation, where players must begin each leg by hitting a double to start scoring and finish on a double to checkout. This rule adds immense pressure right from the first throw, turning the opening visits into a high-stakes battle for momentum.
Painter, a former PDC World Championship finalist nicknamed “The Artist” for his smooth throwing style, capitalized on Burnett’s early struggles. Burnett repeatedly missed attempts at the outer ring—particularly targeting double 20—meaning none of his darts counted toward reducing his score. Meanwhile, Painter methodically built his way down from 501, eventually sealing the leg with a clinical double 8 checkout.
The shock of the moment was captured perfectly in social media commentary from the event organizers: “RICHIE BURNETT IS 1-0 DOWN AND HASN’T SCORED A POINT!?! Kevin Painter has just won the opening leg of Double Trouble 4 whilst Richie Burnett is still on 501!”
Such an occurrence is rare even in standard 501 games, but the double-in rule amplified the drama, leaving Burnett effectively frozen at the oche while Painter cruised to victory in that leg. Fans watching the live stream were left in disbelief, with the bizarre turnaround highlighting how quickly fortunes can shift in darts—especially under specialized formats that demand precision from the very first dart.
However, the match was far from over. Burnett, a seasoned campaigner and former BDO World Champion known for his resilience, shook off the nightmare start. He rallied impressively, reeling off the next three legs to secure a 3-1 victory. His comeback included strong scoring in the later legs, posting more 100+ visits than Painter and demonstrating superior finishing to close out the win on another double 8.
Despite the shaky beginning dragging down his overall average to around 57, Burnett’s higher checkout success rate proved decisive. Painter, averaging in the mid-60s, showed flashes of his classic form but couldn’t maintain the early advantage.
The Modus Super Series continues to deliver thrilling action through its creative twists on traditional darts, attracting a mix of established names and rising talents. Events like Double Trouble test players’ nerves in unique ways, producing unforgettable moments that remind everyone why the sport captivates audiences worldwide.
Burnett’s recovery not only earned him crucial points in the group but also underscored his fighting spirit, a trait that has defined his long career. For Painter, the early leg triumph will live long in the memory as one of the most lopsided yet entertaining legs imaginable—one where an entire leg was won without the opponent troubling the scorers.
As the series progresses, moments like these keep the competition fresh and unpredictable, proving that in darts, anything can happen from the very first throw to the final double.
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