When it comes to creating history at the Cazoo World Darts Championship, there are few players that can compete with the exploits of Canadian trailblazer John Part.
Part is one of only six players to have lifted multiple PDC World Championship titles, after becoming the first non-European player to win the sport’s biggest prize almost two decades ago.
The 56-year-old was also the first player to win World Championship titles in three different venues, courtesy of his 2008 success in the PDC’s inaugural visit to Alexandra Palace.
Part helped put North American darts on the map during a stunning career, and his most iconic victory saw him end Phil Taylor’s World Championship monopoly in sensational style back in January 2003.
The Canadian was whitewashed 7-0 by an imperious Taylor in the 2001 final, but he avenged that chastening defeat in a Circus Tavern thriller, prevailing in a compelling 13th and deciding set.
Taylor was bidding to win a record-extending ninth successive World Championship crown, but Part produced an inspired display to triumph, defying a valiant comeback from the Stoke-on-Trent legend in the process.
“What I think of the most is the first leg of each of those finals,” said Part, looking back on his illustrious career in a Darts Show Podcast special.
“I lost the bull to Phil in 2001 and he made me throw first. I missed the bull for a 12-dart leg with the throw, he takes it out in 12 darts, and he never looked back.
“In 2003, I win the bull, I make him go first, and exactly the same happened in reverse.
“He misses a dart at double for a 12-dart leg to hold throw, and I take it out in 12 darts to break him, and I don’t look back for three sets. I built up a three-set lead.
“Even though I eventually fell behind in the match, I still had enough confidence that I could come back again.
“I will always remember that, because you talk about the things Taylor did to people to totally get into their heads, and I was able to return the favour to some tune.”
Part – a BDO World Championship winner in 1994 – also prevailed in the first World Championship staged at Alexandra Palace in 2008, defeating surprise package Kirk Shepherd 7-2 in the final.
Shepherd enjoyed a fairy-tale run to the final on debut, which included a semi-final success against Wayne Mardle, who had famously dumped out Phil Taylor in the last eight.
However, Part avoided any drama in the New Year’s Day showpiece, producing a typically professional performance to create another slice of history in darts’ biggest event.
“I knew I was a heavy favourite, and I knew almost every other player who had played Kirk before me in that event had blown opportunities,” revealed the former Las Vegas Desert Classic winner.
“I didn’t take anything for granted. I did everything by the book to make sure that I wasn’t complacent in the least. I didn’t want to fall into that trap.
“I knew he had a big edge with fitness and I was wary of that, so I was happy to get off to a really good start in the final.”
Part, who will play a leading role in Sky Sports’ coverage at this year’s World Championship, will celebrate the 20-year anniversary of his epic Circus Tavern victory against Taylor next month.
It is therefore fitting that this year’s World Championship will feature five players from the Championship Darts Corporation system, showcasing the growth of the sport in North America.
North American Championship winner Leonard Gates and Canadian veteran David Cameron will make their Alexandra Palace debuts following their success throughout 2022.
American ace Danny Baggish also returns to the capital alongside World Cup team-mates Jeff Smith and Matt Campbell, who will all be dreaming of replicating Part’s success by lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy on January 3.