AMONGST the interested fans at the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship were Barclays Premier League football referees Peter Walton and Andre Marriner.
The Midlands-based whistlers travelled to Alexandra Palace during the tournament to taste the atmosphere of live darts first-hand.
Walton, 50, and 39-year-old Marriner (below, right) saw world number three James Wade in action at Alexandra Palace, and admitted that they loved the experience of seeing the world's best players in the flesh.
Listen to an audio interview with Peter Walton now in PDCtv
"It's a great atmosphere, and we love it," said Walton. "Myself and Andre love darts and had the opportunity to come [to Alexandra Palace].
"We didn't really know what to expect, but it's awe-inspiring, almost better than a Premier League football match at Anfield!
"I'm a darts fan. I'm looking at the players and their ability to hit the 180s all the time and those checkouts, and the speed they hit the board too.
"When I'm playing, I have to think 'Hang on, how am I going to check out this one?', but it's just great to watch them in action.
"For the players to play the way they do in front of 2,500 people is just exceptional."
But Walton had just one, very swift, answer to the question he had to be asked - would he trade his whistle for the microphone as a darts referee?
"No way!" he smiled. "In front of this crowd, no chance!
"I asked Andre if he'd like to be up there, and he said "No way, I'd sooner be running around with a whistle in my hand!"
Listen to an audio interview with Peter Walton now in PDCtv - alongside reaction from stars of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship
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