In the high-octane world of professional darts, where precision and pressure define every throw, a lighthearted moment can sometimes outshine even the fiercest competitions. During a break before the final session of the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland, Richard Ashdown, a respected darts master of ceremonies and spotter, delivered what many are calling the “coldest one dart ever.” The impromptu display, sparked by a playful challenge from world No. 1 Luke Humphries, not only showcased Ashdown’s skill but also captured the camaraderie that makes darts a unique spectacle, leaving players and fans buzzing with delight.
The scene unfolded in the practice room at Hamilton’s Globox Arena, where Humphries, alongside fellow pros Chris Dobey and Damon Heta, was warming up for the tournament’s climactic session. Ashdown, affectionately known as “Little Richard” due to his 5-foot-3 stature, was enjoying a tea break, his coat already on as he prepared to leave. Humphries, in a moment of banter, challenged Ashdown to hit double three with three darts. With a grin, Ashdown responded with unshakable confidence: “I told him I would only need one, as I’d already drank my tea and got my coat.” True to his word, Ashdown stepped up, grabbed a single dart, and planted it dead center in the double three, prompting an eruption of cheers from Humphries, Dobey, and Heta. With characteristic nonchalance, Ashdown executed a calm walk-off, leaving the room in stitches. “Job was done,” he later quipped, cementing the moment as a viral highlight of the tournament.
Ashdown, a 46-year-old Englishman with over two decades in darts, is no stranger to the sport’s spotlight. Since 2002, he has worked as a referee, spotter, and master of ceremonies for both the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and World Darts Federation (WDF), earning respect for his sharp eye and quick wit. His role as a spotter—guiding cameramen to capture critical moments during live broadcasts—requires an intimate understanding of players’ tendencies, making him a vital cog in darts’ global production. His television debut came in 2005 at the Masters of Darts, and he later served as the master of ceremonies at the Lakeside World Darts Championship from 2014 to 2019. Ashdown’s journey began in local leagues in Cambridgeshire, where his love for darts’ mathematical precision was sparked at age 13, eventually leading to a full-time career after meeting legend Bobby George at a 1994 exhibition.
The Auckland moment was more than just a display of skill; it highlighted the playful spirit that thrives even on darts’ biggest stages. The New Zealand Darts Masters, the seventh event in the 2025 World Series, was a high-stakes affair, with 18-year-old sensation Luke Littler dominating the final against Humphries, averaging an astonishing 115.02. Yet, Ashdown’s single-dart feat stole a slice of the spotlight, shared widely across social media. “Maybe Luke Humphries will only be offering one dart at the double from now on,” Ashdown joked, reflecting on the lighthearted exchange. The celebration from Humphries, Dobey, and Heta—who were left laughing and clapping—underscored the sense of community that persists amid fierce competition. “It’s nice to see even in some of the biggest competitions and the biggest of days, the players and staff members can all enjoy a bit of fun with everyone in the break,” Ashdown noted.
This wasn’t Ashdown’s first brush with darts’ lighter side. Known for his work on BBC’s *The One Show* and ITV’s *Bullseye* revival, where he reprised the role of scorer in 2024 and 2025 alongside host Freddie Flintoff, Ashdown has a knack for blending professionalism with personality. His long-standing friendship with Bobby George, whom he met as a teenager, has also seen him emcee exhibitions worldwide, from Dubai to Tokyo. These experiences, coupled with his role in major PDC events like the World Series and European Tour, have made him a beloved figure in the darts community.
For fans, Ashdown’s double-three heroics were a reminder of darts’ unique charm—a sport where world-class talent and locker-room banter coexist. As Littler and Humphries battled for supremacy on the main stage, Ashdown’s moment in the practice room became a testament to the joy and spontaneity that keep darts thriving. With the 2025 PDC World Championship looming, where Humphries and Littler are set to clash again, Ashdown’s cool-headed throw will linger as a highlight, proving that sometimes, one dart is all it takes to steal the show.
Whilst enjoying my tea break in Auckland, I watched @lukeh180 @Dobey180 @DamonHeta180 practicing, before the final session of the @OfficialPDC NZ Darts Masters.
Luke offered me 3 darts at Double 3. I told him I would only need 1, as I’d already drank my tea and got my coat… 🤣⬇️ pic.twitter.com/jtJVud6u2U— Richard Ashdown (@LittleRichard) August 17, 2025
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