Tony Ridler
Encyclopedia
Anthony Ridler is a Welsh
darts
player who competed in the 1970s and 1980s - however he made comebacks in 1997 and also in 2006.
) Individual and the 1977 Warwickshire Open. He reached the semi-finals of the 1977 Winmau World Masters
and was runner-up in the 1979 British Gold Cup (to John Lowe
) and British Open pairs in 1980.
However, as darts began to become more popular during the 1980s, Ridler faded from the scene and wasn't able to make an impact on the game. He only made one appearance at the World Championship in the 1983 event
and won his first round match against the Dane, Finn Jensen
but was defeated in the second round by Dave Whitcombe
.
Ridler's first comeback in 1997 saw him reaching the last 32 of the revived News of the World Darts Championship
and also reaching the last 16 of the World Matchplay
. The last event in which he featured in the later stages was at a PDC UK Open regional qualifier in 2006 when he lost in the early stages to Andy Hamilton
.
Ridler played with an unusual throwing action which saw him throw his darts almost from the tip of his nose. Ridler's son, Tony had a darts career from 2004 to 2006, which saw him winning the category 1 WDF
-run Welsh Open.
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
darts
Darts
Darts is a form of throwing game where darts are thrown at a circular target fixed to a wall. Though various boards and games have been used in the past, the term "darts" usually now refers to a standardised game involving a specific board design and set of rules...
player who competed in the 1970s and 1980s - however he made comebacks in 1997 and also in 2006.
Achievements
Ridler was one of the Welsh players who showed promise during the 1970s by winning the 1973 CIU (Club and Institute UnionWorking Men's Club and Institute Union
The Working Men's Club and Institute Union is a voluntary association of private members' clubs in Great Britain & Northern Ireland, with about 3,000 associate clubs. One club in the Republic of Ireland, the City of Dublin Working Men's Club is also affiliated. Most social clubs are affiliated to...
) Individual and the 1977 Warwickshire Open. He reached the semi-finals of the 1977 Winmau World Masters
Winmau World Masters
The Winmau World Masters is one of the longest running and most prestigious professional darts tournaments, which began in 1974 - even before the current World Professional Championship...
and was runner-up in the 1979 British Gold Cup (to John Lowe
John Lowe
John Lowe is an English darts player who was one of the best-known men in darts during the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in the United Kingdom. Lowe is one of only five players to have won the World Championship 3 times.-Biography:Lowe won the World Championship title in three different decades -...
) and British Open pairs in 1980.
However, as darts began to become more popular during the 1980s, Ridler faded from the scene and wasn't able to make an impact on the game. He only made one appearance at the World Championship in the 1983 event
1983 BDO World Darts Championship
The final featured one of darts' most memorable moments, when Bristow was left on 121. Having hit single 17 and then treble 18, Bristow decided against hitting the bullseye. Instead he hit a single 18 to leave double 16, whilst Deller was on 138...
and won his first round match against the Dane, Finn Jensen
Finn Jensen
Finn Jensen was a Danish professional darts player who competed in the 1980s.He competed in three World Professional Darts Championships, losing in the first round on all three occasions. In 1982, he lost to Cliff Lazarenko...
but was defeated in the second round by Dave Whitcombe
Dave Whitcombe
Dave Whitcombe is an English professional darts player who won several major tournaments and reached two World Championship Finals. He had a long professional career between 1980 and 1992.-Biography:...
.
Ridler's first comeback in 1997 saw him reaching the last 32 of the revived News of the World Darts Championship
News of the World Darts Championship
The News of the World Individual Darts Championship was one of the first major organised darts competitions, which began in 1927. It became England's first national darts competition from 1947 until its demise in 1990...
and also reaching the last 16 of the World Matchplay
1997 World Matchplay Darts
The 1997 World Matchplay was a darts tournament held in the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. The tournament was won by Phil Taylor.-1st Round:*Dean Allsopp v Bob Anderson 5 - 8...
. The last event in which he featured in the later stages was at a PDC UK Open regional qualifier in 2006 when he lost in the early stages to Andy Hamilton
Andy Hamilton (darts player)
Andy Hamilton is a full time professional English darts player widely known for his "aggressive" style of play. He is nicknamed The Hammer and is currently ranked 12th on the PDC Order of Merit....
.
Ridler played with an unusual throwing action which saw him throw his darts almost from the tip of his nose. Ridler's son, Tony had a darts career from 2004 to 2006, which saw him winning the category 1 WDF
World Darts Federation
The World Darts Federation Is a sport governing body and tournament organiser for the game of darts. It was formed in 1976, by representatives of fifteen nations. Membership is open to the official National organizing body for Darts in all nations...
-run Welsh Open.