RAYMOND van Barneveld has appealed for the return of his lucky darts after they were taken from the Reebok Stadium stage where he won the Budweiser UK Open on Sunday.
The Dutchman, widely recognised as one of the best darts players in history, had just won the £30,000 first prize when his darts were swiped from the stage by an over-enthusiastic punter.
And van Barneveld has made a passionate plea for the three darts to be returned, claiming he doesn't blame the fan who pinched them.
"Normally I wouldn't mind, but these darts are special to me, van Barneveld said.
"I don't blame the fan who took them, everyone was very excited and there was a great atmosphere - whoever it was must have just been caught up in the heat of the moment.
"It was a great tournament and I loved playing in Bolton for the first time. They were a great crowd and I was so proud to win, but it would be a shame if I couldn't get these darts back to keep forever.
"If someone could bring them back, I wouldn't want them to be in trouble or anything - in fact, I would send them another set of my darts, I just want these particular ones back so much."
Matt Porter, Communications Manager of the Professional Darts Corporation, added: "We would appeal to whoever took Ray's darts to drop them in to the Reebok Stadium, where no questions will be asked or action taken.
"Everyone was excited and the atmosphere was frenzied, these things happen but it would be a shame if the players' judgment of Bolton was clouded because this happened to one of them.
"The UK Open is one of our best tournaments with a great crowd and a brilliant venue and I'm sure whoever it was that took them will realise they're better off with Ray and will have the sense and compassion to give them back."