Hi Guys
I wanted to take this opportunity to comment on the absolutely inspiring story that was and is Andy 'The Viking' Fordham's return to televised darts after a near 10 year absence and far more importantly near death health issues.
Fordham, 53 had to win 8 matches including taking out the current BDO number 1 (and to my mind a genuine contender for the BDO world title and i expect a future PDC mover) to qualify for the Grandslam of Darts, a tremendous feat in itself.
Fordham didn't get an easy group, drawing PDC top 10 rated Adrian Lewis (rated no 5 and a 2 x PDC world champion), Michael Smith (rated 8th) and 43 rated Wayne Jones.
To a rapturous response Fordham opened up by hitting a 180 with his first 3 darts, and proceeded to average in the mid 90's as he narrowly lost 5-2.
I have included a link below:
https://youtu.be/fJSOIvMmBTs
Fordham won his second match against Jones when he won 5-3 before losing 5-2 to Smith,
Unfortunately Fordham didn't qualify for the later rounds, however that is almost inconsequential at this point. It was only a few years ago he was at deaths door and it was considered highly unlikely he'd ever return to a decent standard of play let alone TV, however the will of the man is remarkable.
I have met Fordham personally and he is a terrific man. Polite and respectful, there is no ego on the man and it is easy to see why he was and still is phenomenally popular figure in darts.
I would recommend to everyone that they buy his book:
It is a fantastic read and gives real insight into both darts and his personal battles against alcohol and ill-health.
Watching Fordham has given me real inspiration to pick up the Tungsten in earnest again. The man has overcome all odds which should be a lesson to us all.
Moving forward i hope Fordham can build on this, and really hammer home at the BDO events, darts is better place with him than without.
If you have never seen him, look him up on youtube
Take care all
Luke
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