John Lowe

John Lowe (born 21 July 1945)

Career Lowe won the World Championship title in three different decades – 1979, 1987 and 1993.

Lowe achieved the first-ever televised nine-dart finish on 13 October 1984,

In addition to his three world titles, Lowe has also won two World Masters titles,

A composed performer, his demeanor was captured in his nickname Old Stoneface,

Lowe enjoyed a longevity in darts. He played in the televised stages of the World Championship for a then-record 28 consecutive years,

Lowe played at the Alexandra Palace in 1980 in front of 7,000 people in the News of the World Championship.

Lowe also dominated the British Pentathlon event, winning it ten times, including six in a row from 1982 to 1987.

Lowe was a founding member of the Professional Darts Players Association (PDPA). In 2005, he enjoyed a testimonial year in the sport to commemorate his 30th year as a professional. He attempted to qualify for the World Championship each year until 2008, but he fell short in the early qualifying rounds.

Post-darts career In May 2009, Lowe released a book, The Art of Darts, in which he offered his personal insights into the game to both amateur and aspiring professional dart players. In 2013, The Art of Darts was produced in app-form for the iPhone and iPad.

In 2014, Lowe was one of several celebrities to take part in ITV's new game show Amazing Greys, in which members of the public take on icons of British sport and entertainment.

Personal life Lowe was born in New Tupton, Derbyshire. He is married to Karen and lives in Chesterfield. They both support Sunderland football club. He was awarded an MBE in 2018.

World Championship results

1. 1976 World Masters (1) Phil Obbard 3–0 (s)

2. 1977 Butlins Grand Masters (1) Eric Bristow

Nine-dart finishes

Lowe accomplished the first-ever televised nine-dart finish. + John Lowe televised nine-dart finishes Date Opponent Tournament Method Prize 13 October 1984 Keith Deller World Matchplay 3 x T20; 3 x T20; T17, T18, D18 £102,000