INTERVIEW: Russ Bray - 02 October 2026
Summary
Russ Bray, the legendary darts commentator, joins the FIVEAA Sports Show to discuss the upcoming PDC Premier League night in Adelaide. He shares his unique career origin story, recounts calling Phil Taylor's first televised nine-dart finish, and explains the mathematical precision required for live scoring. The conversation also explores how television and the internet have globalized the sport, transforming it from a pub game into a major entertainment spectacle.
Topics discussed
Intro: Darts in Adelaide and guest Russ Bray
Russ Bray's 46th visit to Australia
How Russ Bray became a darts caller
Calling Phil Taylor's first televised 9-darter
Globalization of darts via TV and internet
The entertainment factor and party atmosphere
Concentration under pressure and crowd noise
The mathematics and sequential counting of scores
Professionalization of the game since 1996
Announcing the 180 and evolving crowd dynamics
Background as a police officer and fairness
Darts popularity in the UK and closing remarks
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