British darts player is BANNED from using his ‘rude’ nickname at Ally Pally for the World Championship
- Bates has qualified for his first appearance at the PDC World Championships
- The 20-year-old earned a spot via the PDC Challenger Tour Order of Merit
- Bates will be blocked from using his current nickname at Alexandra Palace
British darts star Owen Bates has revealed he has been banned from using his rude nickname on his debut at the PDC World Championships next month.
The 20-year-old qualified for the World Championships after finishing second on the PDC Challenger Tour Order of Merit.
Bates sealed the spot by reaching the final of the Challenge Tour event in Wigan last month, beating Mike Warburton 5-4 having earlier trailed 4-1.
He had competed in the event with his nickname ‘The Master’ on the back of his shirt.
The combination with his surname produces the rude name ‘Master Bates’.
Owen Bates has been banned from using a rude nickname at the PDC World Championships
Bates asked his fans on social media to suggest a replacement for his ‘The Master’ nickname
According to talkSPORT, the PDC have now confirmed that Bates will be blocked from using the name during the World Championships at Alexandra Palace.
Bates took to social media following the news to ask fans to suggest potential new nicknames he could use during the tournament.
The English player also urged his followers to buy his Owen ‘The Master’ Bates darts.
‘Any suggestions on a new nickname?!,’ Bates wrote.
‘Also, get my darts before it’s too late, these will be the last ever ‘The Master’ darts made!’
Loxley Darts, who have manufactured Bates’ darts, called for his fans to ‘grab the uncensored darts when they can’.
‘Too hot for TV. The Dartist formerly known as Master Bates…
‘Grab the uncensored darts while you still can! The first production run of the Gen1 darts will be the only run as he now searches for a new darting nick-name to take forward in his PDC pro career.’
Bates darts manufacturer Loxley urged fans to ‘uncensored darts’ as he decides a new name
Bates, who won the 19th event of the Challenge Tour in Milton Keynes on route to qualifying, has also secured a two year tour card.
‘Words can’t describe how thankful I am to everyone around me and all the people who have messaged me and showed me support over the last year,’ he posted last month.
‘Absolutely over the moon to say I’ve secured a two year PDC tour card along with a place at the PDC World Championships. Ally Pally.’
The World Championships will begin on December 15 and will run until January 3.
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