Phil Taylor, Raymond Van Barneveld and Eric Bristow have all lit up the world darts circuit, but they are not the only ones who have perfected their throwing technique.
Introducing Rotorua Geyserland Darts' Herbie Nathan, 58 - a former New Zealand No.1 who is aiming to make a golden comeback in the sport from which he officially retired eight years ago.
The talented veteran made a brief return two years ago, where he helped captain the Bay of Plenty side to the semifinals of the team challenge at the New Zealand Nationals. He is hoping to be part of a winning side when the annual national competition comes to Rotorua in August.
Phil's throwing action was amazing to watch. I was mesmerised and the success he has gone on to achieve is out of this world.
Nathan hopes to replicate the form which helped him win five national titles and an Asia-Pacific crown at the peak of his career.
"I'm so excited to get back out on the circuit and see all my old friends again. If you can't have fun whilst playing there's no point picking up the darts," he said. "Playing in a team challenge is a completely different game but I'm hoping I will find some of my old form and do well for the team.
"It was hard getting back into the swing of things after a long spell out but a special occasion always helps raise your game.
"I'm a bit of a joker on the circuit but that all changes when I'm in front of the board."
Nathan is hoping the local community will get out and support the competition and that youngsters will be inspired to take up the sport.
"It's such an entertaining sport to watch. I really hope people turn out to support us," he said. "Youngsters should get into the game because it's great for their maths skills and focus and attention."
Nathan turned to the sport relatively late - picking up his first darts in his late 20s after his older sister, Sophie Corbett, a top national player, challenged him to a fierce sibling clash.
That was the start of a colourful career forNathan, who has played against the world's best including Taylor, Van Barneveld and Ronnie Baxter.
Herbie Nathan. Photo / Stephen Parker
"Phil's throwing action was amazing to watch. I was mesmerised and the success he has gone on to achieve is out of this world," he said.
"When you play against those kind of stars your game is always going to go up a level."
Nathan recently donated some famous playing shirts which he had been given by stars of the sport to Rotorua's Crates and Cue bar, including a Taylor England shirt.
But Nathan, who has lived in Rotorua for 43 years, said his favourite was the all black New Zealand dart shirt.
"It has the fern which is everything to play for, for me," Nathan said. "It reminds me of all the New Zealand greats like Peter Hunt and Robert Grant.
"I made sure this shirt was placed in the main central position because I really am proud of it."
