Now the dust has settled from the World Cup, and everyone has made it home from Turkey (not sure if all the luggage has, though!), I just wanted to post a short – and personal – review of the trip.

You are all aware that there were those who did not wish the ADO to send a team; mostly because of the terrorist threat, but there are also some who do not – for various reasons – appreciate our involvement with the World Darts Federation.  I will deal with the former by simply saying that where we were was totally unaffected, and claims that we were sending players into a “warzone” were not just unfounded, but also completely ludicrous.

Regarding our WDF membership, anyone who was in Kemer, or indeed, who has been involved in any previous World Cup, will agree that this is what our sport is all about!  With no financial rewards at stake, it is all about pride – NATIONAL pride.  The honor of representing one’s country is the ultimate in any sport, and that is evident at any WDF World Cup.

I have played darts competitively for 40 years, including the last 25 as a full-time professional , and as far as I’m concerned, the purity of the sport and the comradeship between players of all different nationalities, cultures, and religions, make this event very unique.  It is always wonderful to make new friends, and just as wonderful to renew old friendships.

Moving on to this year’s event, and I’d heard many great things about the Antalya/Kemer region of Turkey, and was not disappointed!  With the resort sandwiched between the mountains and the Mediterranean, the location could not be any better.  The Hotel Limra was like nothing I have ever seen before, excellent in every way, and remember, I have done my share of traveling!  The weather was spectacular.  The locals – both in and out of the resort – were extremely friendly and welcoming.

The World Cup itself was bigger than ever before, with larger women’s and youth teams, and a total of 36 countries lined up for the event.  As an American, I knew we were sending a fabulous squad, and I was really optimistic that we could return with a sackful of medals.  The fact that we didn’t was in no way a reflection of the ability and commitment shown by each and every player : Lisa Ayers, Bette Cunningham, Paula Murphy, Cali West, Larry Butler, Joe Huffman, Tom Sawyer, and Jerry Van Loan.  What it invariably came down to was missed doubles at the wrong time.

As the Men’s Team Manager, I would like to say that it was a great honor to be associated with such an incredible group of dart players and human beings, and I know that our Women’s Team Manager, Robin Curry, will echo those sentiments.  We are proud of every one of you!

I would like to close by thanking the World Darts Federation for running the event, the Turkish Bocce Bowling and Darts Federation for being such gracious hosts, the staff of the Hotel Limra for their efforts in making us feel at home, all the local scorekeepers and volunteers who gave their time to make the event such as success, and to all the players and officials who ensured that this was a week of my life that will never be forgotten!

Steve Brown

2015 World Cup USA Men’s Team Manager

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