John Lowe
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| John Lowe | ||
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| Personal information | ||
| Nickname | Old Stoneface | |
| Date of birth | July 21, 1945 | |
| Place of birth | New Tupton, Derbyshire,  |
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| Home town | Chesterfield, Derbyshire, |
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| Darts information | ||
| Playing darts since | ||
| Darts | 21gm Titanium Unicorn | |
| Walk-on music | {{{music}}} | |
| Organisation (see split in darts) | ||
| BDO | 1975 to 1993 | |
| PDC | founder member (1993) | |
| Current World Ranking | 217 | |
| BDO Grand Slam Events - Best Performances | ||
| World Ch'ship | Winner 1979, 1987, 1993 | |
| World Masters | Winner 1976, 1980 | |
| PDC Majors - Best Performances | ||
| World Ch'ship | SF 1995, 1996 | |
| World Matchplay | SF 1995 ; QF 2000, 2002 | |
| World Grand Prix | SF 2001 ; QF 1998 | |
| UK Open | Last 16 2005 | |
| Other Televised PDC events - Best Performances | ||
| Other Tournament Wins | ||
| Tournament | Years | |
| News of the World Championship British Open |
1981 1977, 1988 |
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| Other Achievements | ||
| 1984 - First televised nine-dart finish 1986 to 1993 - England Captain (unbeaten) |
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Infobox last updated on: February 11, 2008. |
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John Lowe (born in New Tupton, Derbyshire on 21 July 1945) was one of the main competitors who made darts such a huge spectator sport in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in the United Kingdom.
[edit] Biography
Lowe won the World Championship title in three different decades - 1979, 1987 and 1993. He was regarded as the gentleman of the game, but he was very much a bridesmaid figure behind Eric Bristow in the early days of darts' rise to prominence - in terms of results and charisma. He met Bristow six times in the World Championship in various semi-finals and finals and it wasn't until his fourth attempt (in the 1987 final) that he managed to overcome his great rival. His record against the "Crafty Cockney" in majors was three wins and six defeats.[1]
Lowe achieved the ultimate feat in darts on October 13, 1984 during the World Matchplay tournament against Keith Deller when he managed a nine dart finish – the sport's equivalent of a hole-in-one in golf or a 147 break in snooker. This was the first time this had ever been accomplished by any darts player while being televised. For this, Lowe won £102,000. He went on to clinch the tournament.
As well as his three world titles, Lowe also won two World Masters titles, two British Open titles and two British Matchplay championships, two World Cup Singles and three European Cup Singles Titles, as well as countless other titles around the world in a hugely successful career. He played for England over 100 times and was captain for seven years, during which time his team were unbeaten.
He also gained credit for his decorum and sportsmanship at the oche, often in notable contrast to the gifted but arrogant Bristow. He was also probably unique in darts in that he looked after his health, never developing the weight difficulties associated with darts players, though he did consume alcohol onstage with the others when liquor was still permitted in the game.
Nicknames were all the rage in darts, but Lowe never really had one which caught on. A studious, composed performer, he didn't have anything which stood out in his demeanour or personality – until someone decided to use these very traits to come up with a soubriquet of Old Stoneface. This is also the title of Lowe's autobiography which was published in 2005.
Lowe enjoyed a longevity at the sport that is currently unmatched. He played in the televised stages of the World Championship for a record 27 consecutive years from the inaugural championship in 1978 to his last appearance in 2004. Bob Anderson would have to play in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 World Championship to match this longevity record.
Lowe is married to Karen and lives in Chesterfield, from where they both support Sunderland Football Club of the English Premier League[2]. He was secretary of the World Professional Dart Players Association (later to become the Professional Darts Players Association (PDPA)) and in 2005 enjoyed a testimonial year in the sport to commemorate his 30th year as a professional. He still attempts to qualify for the World Championship each year, but fell short in the early qualifying rounds for the 2006, 2007 & 2008 events.
