John Lowe (darts player)

John Lowe MBE (born 21 July 1945) is an English former professional darts player. Along with Eric Bristow and Jocky Wilson, he was known for dominating darts during the 1980s. Lowe was world champion on three occasions, in 1979, 1987 and 1993. He was also a two-time winner of the Winmau World Masters and a two-time World Cup singles champion. In total, Lowe won 15 BDO and WDF majors. He held the World No. 1 ranking on four occasions. In October 1984, he became the first player to hit a televised nine-dart finish.

John Lowe MBE
Lowe in 2009
Personal information
Nickname	"Old Stoneface"
Born	(1945-07-21) 21 July 1945 (age 79) New Tupton, Derbyshire, England
Home town	Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England
Darts information
Playing darts since	1966
Darts	21g Unicorn John Lowe Phase 3 Gold 90%
Laterality	Right-handed
Walk-on music	"Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake
Organisation (see split in darts)
BDO	1976–1993
PDC	1993–2007 (founding member)
WDF major events – best performances
World Championship	Winner (3) 1979, 1987, 1993
World Masters	Winner (2) 1976, 1980
PDC premier events – best performances
World Championship	Semi-Final: 1995, 1996
World Matchplay	Semi-Final: 1995, 2002
World Grand Prix	Semi-Final: 2001
UK Open	Last 16: 2005
WSDT major events – best performances
World Championship	Last 16: 2022
World Matchplay	Last 16: 2022
World Masters	Last 16: 2022
Other tournament wins
News of the World 1981 Butlins Grand Masters 1977 MFI World Matchplay 1984 British Matchplay 1978, 1985 Australian Grand Masters 1985 Autumn Gold Cider Masters 1987 BDO British Classic 1981, 1982, 1985, 1987 BDO Gold Cup 1978, 1979, 1982 British Open 1977, 1988 British Pentathlon 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 Canadian Open 1979, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1989 Denmark Open 1978, 1979, 1982, 1985, 1987 Dry Blackthorn Cider Masters 1983, 1986 Finnish Open 1992 French Open 1986 MFI World Pairs 1986 North American Open 1985, 1987 Welsh Open 1982
Other achievements
1984 – First televised nine-dart finish 1986 to 1993 – WDF England Captain (unbeaten)
Medal record Men's Darts Representing  England WDF World Cup 1977 London Men's pairs 1979 Las Vegas Men's pairs 1979 Las Vegas Men's team 1979 Las Vegas Men's overall 1981 Nelson Men's singles 1981 Nelson Men's team 1981 Nelson Men's overall 1983 Edinburgh Men's pairs 1983 Edinburgh Men's team 1983 Edinburgh Men's overall 1985 Brisbane Men's pairs 1985 Brisbane Men's overall 1987 Copenhagen Men's pairs 1987 Copenhagen Men's team 1987 Copenhagen Men's overall 1989 Toronto Men's pairs 1989 Toronto Men's overall 1991 Zandvoort Men's singles 1991 Zandvoort Men's team 1991 Zandvoort Men's overall 1977 London Men's team 1977 London Men's overall 1983 Edinburgh Men's singles 1985 Brisbane Men's team 1989 Toronto Men's team WDF Europe Cup 1978 Copenhagen Men's singles 1978 Copenhagen Men's pairs 1978 Copenhagen Men's overall 1980 Ebbw Vale Men's team 1980 Ebbw Vale Men's overall 1984 The Hague Men's singles 1984 The Hague Men's team 1984 The Hague Men's overall 1986 Turku Men's singles 1986 Turku Men's pairs 1986 Turku Men's team 1986 Turku Men's overall 1988 Yarmouth Men's overall 1990 Paola Men's team 1990 Paola Men's overall 1992 Helsinki Men's team 1992 Helsinki Men's overall 1990 Paola Men's pairs 1992 Helsinki Men's singles 1978 Copenhagen Men's team 1980 Ebbw Vale Men's pairs 1988 Yarmouth Men's team 1992 Helsinki Men's pairs
Updated on 19 October 2022.

Lowe is one of only six players to have won the World Championship three or more times, and was the first person to win it in three separate decades; along with Phil Taylor, he remains one of only two players to achieve this. Amidst growing dissatisfaction with the British Darts Organisation, Lowe was also one of 16 players who in 1993 broke away to form their own governing body, the World Darts Council (now known as the Professional Darts Corporation).

Career

Lowe won the World Championship title in three different decades – 1979, 1987 and 1993.^[1] He met Eric Bristow six times in the World Championship in various semi-finals and finals,^[2] and it was not until his fourth attempt (in the 1987 final) that he managed to overcome his rival. His record against Bristow in majors was three wins and six defeats.^[2]

Lowe achieved the first-ever televised nine-dart finish on 13 October 1984,^[3] during the World Matchplay tournament against Keith Deller,^[3] although it was not live and instead shown on a highlights programme on ITV. It was achieved via a rare third-visit combination of treble 17, treble 18 and double 18.^[3] For the nine-dart finish, Lowe received £102,000,^[3] he went on to win the tournament, for which he received £12,000, and earned an additional £1,000 for the tournament's highest outshot (161).^[3] This remained the highest amount of money earned by a darts player at a single tournament for almost two decades.^[4]

In addition to his three world titles, Lowe has also won two World Masters titles,^[1] two British Open titles,^[1] two British Matchplay championships,^[1] two World Cup Singles,^[1] and three European Cup Singles Titles,^[1] as well as other titles around the world in his career.^[1] He played for England over 100 times and was WDF England Captain between 1986 and 1993, during which time England remained unbeaten.^[3]

John Lowe v Bob Anderson at the Winmau World Masters 1985 Quarter Final

A composed performer, his demeanor was captured in his nickname Old Stoneface,^[3] which was also the title of Lowe's autobiography published in 2005.^[5]

Lowe enjoyed an impressive longevity at the sport. He played in the televised stages of the World Championship for a then-record 28 consecutive years,^[1] from the inaugural championship in 1978 to his last appearance in 2005, where he was defeated by the Canadian John Verwey in a final-leg tiebreak.^[6]

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

Lowe also dominated the British Pentathlon event, winning it ten times, including six in a row from 1982 to 1987.^[1] He stopped entering the event because the prizemoney had not changed in 12 years and cost players £100 to enter, plus expenses.^[8]

Lowe was secretary of the World Professional Dart Players Association (later to become the Professional Dart Players Association (PDPA)), and, 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.^[1] After this, he joined a short-lived venture, the Setanta Sports–televised BetFred League of Legends in 2008.^[1]

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.^[9] 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.^[10]

Personal life

Lowe was born in New Tupton, Derbyshire. He is married to Karen and lives in Chesterfield. They both support Sunderland football club.^[11]

World Championship results

^[1]

John Lowe at 1985 Masters

BDO

• 1978: Runner-up (lost to Leighton Rees 7–11 legs)
• 1979: Winner (beat Leighton Rees 5–0 sets)
• 1980: 2nd round (lost to Cliff Lazarenko 0–2)
• 1981: Runner-up (lost to Eric Bristow 3–5)^[2]
• 1982: Runner-up (lost to Jocky Wilson 3–5)
• 1983: Quarter-finals (lost to Keith Deller 3–4)
• 1984: Semi-finals (lost to Eric Bristow 0–6)^[2]
• 1985: Runner-up (lost to Eric Bristow 2–6)^[2]
• 1986: Quarter-finals (lost to Bob Anderson 3–4)
• 1987: Winner (beat Eric Bristow 6–4)^[2]
• 1988: Runner-up (lost to Bob Anderson 4–6)
• 1989: Semi-finals (lost to Eric Bristow 1–5)^[2]
• 1990: 2nd round (lost to Ronnie Sharp 2–3)
• 1991: 1st round (lost to Peter Evison 2–3)
• 1992: Semi-finals (lost to Phil Taylor 4–5)
• 1993: Winner (beat Alan Warriner 6–3)

PDC

^[1]

• 1994: Group Stage (beat Tom Kirby 3–2 and lost to Larry Butler 2–3)
• 1995: Semi-finals (lost to Phil Taylor 4–5)
• 1996: Semi-finals (lost to Phil Taylor 1–5)
• 1997: Last 24 group (lost to Jamie Harvey 2–3 and beat Paul Lim 3–1)
• 1998: Last 24 group (lost to Peter Manley 0–3 and lost to Gary Mawson 0–3)
• 1999: 2nd round (lost to Phil Taylor 1–3)
• 2000: Quarter-finals (lost to Dennis Smith 3–5)
• 2001: 2nd round (lost to Jamie Harvey 0–3)
• 2002: 2nd round (lost to Peter Manley 5–6)
• 2003: 2nd round (lost to Les Fitton 1–4)
• 2004: 3rd round (lost to Alan Warriner 3–4)
• 2005: 2nd round (lost to John Verwey 2–3)

WSDT

^[1]

• 2022: 2nd round (lost to Dave Prins 0–3)

Career finals

BDO major finals: 25 (9 titles, 16 runners-up)

^[1]

Legend
World Championship (3–5)
World Masters (2–3)
British Professional (0–4)
World Matchplay (1–1)
Grand Masters (1–2)
British Matchplay (2–1)

Outcome	No.	Year	Championship	Opponent in the final	Score[N 1]
Winner	1.	1976	Winmau World Masters (1)	Phil Obbard	3–0 (s)
Winner	2.	1977	Butlins Grand Masters (1)	Eric Bristow[2]	5–4 (s)[2]
Runner-up	1.	1978	World Darts Championship	Leighton Rees	7–11 (l)
Winner	3.	1978	British Matchplay (1)	Tony Brown	2–1 (s)
Runner-up	2.	1978	Butlins Grand Masters	Leighton Rees	unknown
Winner	4.	1979	World Darts Championship (1)	Leighton Rees	5–0 (s)
Winner	5.	1980	Winmau World Masters (2)	Rab Smith	2–0 (s)
Runner-up	3.	1981	World Darts Championship (2)	Eric Bristow[2]	3–5 (s)
Runner-up	4.	1981	Butlins Grand Masters (2)	Eric Bristow[2]	unknown
Runner-up	5.	1981	British Professional Championship	Jocky Wilson	5–6 (s)
Runner-up	6.	1981	Winmau World Masters	Eric Bristow[2]	1–2 (s)
Runner-up	7.	1982	World Darts Championship	Jocky Wilson	3–5 (s)
Runner-up	8.	1982	British Professional Championship (2)	Eric Bristow	3–7 (s)
Winner	6.	1984	MFI World Matchplay (1)	Cliff Lazarenko	5–3 (s)
Runner-up	9.	1984	British Professional Championship (3)	Mike Gregory	5–7 (s)
Runner-up	10.	1985	World Darts Championship (4)	Eric Bristow[2]	2–6 (s)
Winner	7.	1985	British Matchplay (2)	Cliff Lazarenko	3–0 (s)
Runner-up	11.	1985	British Professional Championship (4)	Eric Bristow[2]	4–7 (s)
Winner	8.	1987	World Darts Championship (2)	Eric Bristow[2]	6–4 (s)
Runner-up	12.	1987	MFI World Matchplay	Bob Anderson	1–5 (s)
Runner-up	13.	1987	Winmau World Masters (2)	Bob Anderson	1–3 (s)
Runner-up	14.	1988	World Darts Championship (5)	Bob Anderson	4–6 (s)
Runner-up	15.	1988	British Matchplay	Bob Anderson	2–3 (s)
Runner-up	16.	1988	Winmau World Masters (3)	Bob Anderson	2–3 (s)
Winner	9.	1993	World Darts Championship (3)	Alan Warriner	6–3 (s)

WDF major finals: 6 (5 titles, 1 runner-up)

^[1]

Legend
World Cup (2–0)
Europe Cup (3–1)

Outcome	No.	Year	Championship	Opponent in the final	Score[N 1]
Winner	1.	1978	Europe Cup Singles (1)	Jocky Wilson	4–1 (l)
Winner	2.	1981	World Cup Singles (1)	Jocky Wilson	4–3 (l)
Winner	3.	1984	Europe Cup Singles (2)	Leighton Rees	4–0 (l)
Winner	4.	1986	Europe Cup Singles (3)	Cliff Lazarenko	4–2 (l)
Winner	5.	1991	World Cup Singles (2)	Martin Phillips	6–4 (l)
Runner-up	1.	1992	Europe Cup Singles	Phil Taylor	2–4 (l)

Independent major finals: 1 (1 title)

^[1]

Outcome	No.	Year	Championship	Opponent in the final	Score[N 1]
Winner	1.	1981	News of the World Championship (1)	Mick Norris	2–0 (l)

1. (l) = score in legs, (s) = score in sets.

Performance timeline

^[1]

BDO majors performances

Tournament	1976	1977	1978	1979	1980	1981	1982	1983	1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993
BDO World Championship	NYF		RU	W	2R	RU	RU	QF	SF	RU	QF	W	RU	SF	2R	1R	SF	W
Butlins Grand Masters	NH	W	RU	???		RU	???	QF	QF	SF	???	Not held
British Professional	Not held					RU	RU	SF	RU	RU	1R	2R	1R	Not held
British Matchplay	QF	QF	W	QF	???	QF	SF	SF	QF	W	QF	QF	RU	QF	QF	QF	DNP
MFI World Matchplay	Not held								W	1R	1R	RU	QF	Not held
Winmau World Masters	W	QF	3R	QF	W	RU	3R	SF	4R	QF	3R	RU	RU	1R	SF	QF	3R	DNP
News of the World	???	SF	???		SF	W	???									Not held

^[1]

PDC majors performances

Tournament	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
PDC World Championship	RR	SF	SF	RR	RR	2R	QF	2R	2R	2R	2R	2R
World Matchplay	1R	SF	2R	1R	1R	1R	QF	2R	SF	1R	1R	DNP
World Grand Prix	Not yet founded				QF	DNP	1R	SF	1R	1R	DNP
UK Open	Not held									3R	1R	6R

^[1]

WDF majors performances

Tournament	Event	World Cup 1977	Euro Cup 1978	World Cup 1979	Euro Cup 1980	World Cup 1981	Euro Cup 1982	World Cup 1983	Euro Cup 1984	World Cup 1985	Euro Cup 1986	World Cup 1987	Euro Cup 1988	World Cup 1989	Euro Cup 1990	World Cup 1991	Euro Cup 1992
WDF World Cup & WDF Europe Cup	Singles	L16	W	QF	L32	W	DNP	SF	W	L16	W	L32	L32	L32	L32	W	RU
	Pairs	W	W	W	L16	RU		W	W	W	W	W	QF	W	RU	QF	SF
	Team	RU	SF	W	W	W		W	W	SF	W	W	SF	SF	W	W	W
	Overall	RU	W	W	W	W		W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W	W

^[1]

Performance Table Legend
W	Won the tournament	RU	Runner-up	SF	Semifinalist	QF	Quarterfinalist	#R RR L#	Lost in # round Round-robin Last # stage	DQ	Disqualified
DNQ	Did not qualify	DNP	Did not participate	WD	Withdrew	NH	Tournament not held			NYF	Not yet founded

Nine-dart finishes

See also: Nine-dart finish

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[3]