Webster reveals O’Connor feud nearly came to “blows” after Watergate row

DARREN WEBSTER nearly came to “blows” with William O’Connor after their infamous Watergate row at the 2019 Grand Slam of Darts.

The former World Championship quarter-finalist accidentally spilled water over O’Connor’s equipment prior to their group clash in Wolverhampton.

O'Connor, 40, went on to win 5-3 but was left furious with Webster over the incident.

Webster insists there was no gamesmanship involved and claims the fallout continued long after their match.

He told Modus: “At the time I was the higher seed, so he walked on first. Every time I've not been the higher seed, you walk on [stage] and pour the water out.

“So I’ve come up on stage, shook his hand and turned around. They are still upside down.

“I thought, oh right. So, I turned the glass over, tipped the barrel in, went like that, so I hadn’t turned that one up.

“It hit the top and a bit splashed in his case. So I said, ‘Willie, I have just spilt a bit of water in your case.’

“That’s all I knew about it. Then I get back to my room, Watergate this, Watergate that.

“He is doing it on purpose. I am like, what? So, I said in an interview, if I did it on purpose, I would have tipped it over his head.

“Which they know I would have done. I don’t do nothing like that. There is no gamesmanship.

“I told him I accidentally spilt it, just be careful. Then he made a massive thing.

“We did, to be fair, for quite a while after that have a little bit to do together. It weren’t nice.

“We nearly came close to blows a few times because he holds a grudge. I ain’t done anything anyway.”

The Demolition Man enjoyed a strong career, winning a ProTour title and reaching the semi-finals of the Players Championship Finals.

Webster eventually lost his Tour Card in 2024 after a dip in form and results, bringing an end to his time on the professional tour.

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning