BATES: “IT WAS A TERRIBLE FEELING”
07/03/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
By Aaron Nijjar
AHEAD of his debut at the Belgian Darts Open, Owen Bates has discussed being banned from using his previous nickname.
The 22-year-old is set to appear at the opening European Tour event of 2025 today (Friday) as he faces Ritchie Edhouse.
Previously, the back of his shirt included his nickname ‘The Master.’
As such, his name hilariously read Owen ‘Master’ Bates.
Unfortunately, the PDC informed the youngster in 2023 he’ll have to come up with an alternative.
Bates told the Weekly Dartscast: “I remember when I first started with Loxley and they were asking about the names, we only had thought of master as a joke.
“Then Tom and Matt were really supportive of the idea of just having it in the darts.
“But it was something that was fortunate, personally, and it was just as a joke, that’s what it’s all about, really.”
The Exeter thrower was even subject of discussion by former Rangers footballer Ally Mccoist.
He added: “That was a big moment for me on the show. I was listening to TalkSport. And my name was mentioned and how I reacted to it, I just remember it being all over Twitter and all over Facebook.
“It was only a bit of a terrible feeling, but it was all fun.”
Bates has had a great start to 2025 winning the Development Tour title Three and currently sitting second on the Order of Merit.
The Englishman has also reached the last 32 of the last two Players Championship events.
Bates is looking forward to the start of the Belgium Open and challenging himself against the elite.
He said: “I think because obviously players like myself are a bit lower down the rankings, they get a very limited chance to play on the stage.
“And every time you play on it, you draw something from it if you win or lose. But honestly, I really enjoy it.”
World No. 86 Bates has drawn positive from making the third round of the European Darts Open last year before being knocked out by Stephen Bunting
“Definitely the highlight was getting to the last day on Sunday. I mean, I got absolutely destroyed by Stephen Bunting.
“He had a 117 average, but it still was like a dream come true. I really felt like I was in the mix with the big players.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
