Darts star fights back tears as 500/1 outsider, 25, incredibly wins life changing prize money at Players Championship

DARTS underdog Bradley Brooks banked himself £15,000 when he overcame the odds to win the Players Championship 21 on Wednesday.

Brooks, 25, got the better of three top players to earn himself a life-changing payday and a maiden senior PDC title in Leicester.

Bradley Brooks of England reacting during a darts match. — Bradley Brooks defied the odds to win the Players Championship 21 and pocket £15,000Credit: Getty

The Blackburn thrower, who previously won the World Youth Championship in 2020, got the better of Chris Dobey and James Wade on his way to an 8-5 victory over Gerwyn Price in the final.

Brooks put up an average of 97 to beat former world champ Price, fending off a comeback from ‘The Iceman’ despite being 500/1 to win the tournament at the start of the day.

Brooks was overcome with emotion when discussing the victory post-match, fighting back tears as he opened up on bouncing back from losing his Tour Card last year to earning his first title.

He said: “I’m proud, but it’s not all just me. I’ve got a good family, a good manager, Mrs, mum, nan – everyone. They all look after me.

“And they all know how much I struggled when I lost my Tour Card last year, my dad included as well, and I think if it wasn’t for the people around me I wouldn’t be where I am today”.

In disbelief at what he had achieved, he added: “I’m lost for words. This week I felt so comfortable in my own game and everything clicked, so I’m over the moon.

“I treated the final like I had nothing to lose. I can’t put into words how much it means to me.

“I struggled a couple of times this year and I still have that bad game in me, but I think when I do get it right, I can mix it with the best in the room.”

A darts player being interviewed after winning a tournament. — Brooks appeared emotional as he discussed his shock victoryCredit: X

Bradley Brooks’ route to success

Here’s how Brooks blew away top competition to earn himself a handsome payday..

Round of 128

Bradley Brooks 6-2 William Borland

Round of 64

Brandon Brooks 6-3 Chris Dobey

Round of 32

Bradley Brooks 6-5 Brendan Dolan

Last 16

Bradley Brooks 6-5 James Wade

Quarter-finals

Bradley Brooks 6-1 Josh Rock

Semi-final

Bradley Brooks 7-6 James Hurrell

Final

Bradley Brooks 8-5 Gerwyn Price

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The victory for Brooks has rocketed him 23 places higher in the PDC Order of Merit, leaving him at 73rd spot.

While his spot at 60th in the ProTour Order of Merit puts him in good stead for a place at the World Championship this December if he can continue his form.

Elsewhere at the Players Championship 21, former world champion Micheal Smith crashed out in the first round – meaning he will miss out on a place at the World Matchplay for the first time in 12 years.

Bully Boy needed to make at least the semi-finals of the Leicester tournament to climb into the top 16 of the PDC Order of Merit and earn a place at next week’s showpiece.

Unfortunately Smith crashed out in the first round, losing 6-4 to Thibault Tricole and sealing his unfortunate fate.

Although Smith hasn’t missed a World Matchplay event since 2013, he has never lifted the trophy and came closest to tasting success in 2019 when he finished runner up to Rob Cross.