Darts Star Scott Williams Suffers Bout of Dartitis in Players Championship Defeat

Darts star Scott Williams appeared to suffer from a bout of dartitis during his Players Championship 33 clash against Ryan Joyce.

The 35-year-old, who reached the semi-finals of the 2024 World Championship, was 5-1 down in the best-of-11 leg match when he had difficulty in releasing his first dart.

Williams stood back and collected himself before returning to the board and throwing all three darts, but was clearly in discomfort.

Joyce won the leg in his next visit and secured a 6-1 win over Williams, who averaged 78.39.

Williams has had a successful season on the ProTour, currently ranking 23rd on the one-year Order of Merit.

He has qualified for the Players Championship Finals, which take place next month.

He has reached four Players Championship semi-finals and reached the final of PC19 in June, where he lost 8-3 to James Wade.

The Lincolnshire-born dartist is one of the most flamboyant characters on the circuit, and has gone viral in the past for his media comments.

After defeating German player Martin Schindler at the 2024 World Championship, he told Sky Sports: "I've never had a crowd like that on my side before.

"I know we won two World Wars and one World Cup, but that was ... and the German fans in here were huge."

He later stated on Twitter that his remarks were 'a bit stupid'.

In an interview with Online Darts, Williams described himself as a 'nut job' - and added that he would 'never change' even if fans dislike him.

"On stage, I play it up a bit more. But off-stage, I'm absolutely off my chops. I won't change.

"People love me for it or not, that's fine. I don't give a flying monkey. If they don't like, switch over. Please feel free to b***** off and do whatever you want."