MCDONALD AND NOBLE TO RETIRE AFTER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

JOHN MCDONALD and GEORGE NOBLE are both set to retire after the next World Darts Championship. 

PDC’s legendary Master of Ceremonies, McDonald, and top referee Noble will hang up their microphones at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on decades of service to the sport. 

McDonald has been the voice of the oche since 2007, when he replaced Phil Jones as the PDC’s full-time MC. 

A former Parachute Regiment soldier and news photographer, McDonald made his name as a sports announcer in boxing before becoming the iconic figure who introduced the world’s best to the stage for nearly 20 years. 

He said: “I’ve spent two decades now working with the PDC and loved every moment, but the time is right for me to hang up my microphone. 

“The World Darts Championship final will be the perfect place for me to end, as we celebrate the culmination of the biggest-ever event in the sport. 

“I’m so proud to have been a part of the PDC’s journey during my time as Master of Ceremonies, and I’ll look forward to my remaining events on stage.” 

Noble has spent almost two decades officiating on the PDC circuit, having previously spearheaded the BDO’s refereeing roster. 

‘The Puppy’ has refereed in more than 300 major events all over the world, including 20 World Championships. 

Back in the 2010 Premier League final, Noble made history as the first referee ever to call two nine-darters in a single match. 

He added: “I’ve had a brilliant career in over three decades and spent my whole life in the sport, but the time is right for me to retire from refereeing. 

“I’ll still be involved in darts away from refereeing, but this will give me the chance to spend more time with my family in future. 

“I’d like to thank the PDC for the opportunity which I was given back in 2007 – the sport has given me so many wonderful memories and opened up so many doors for me throughout my life.”