DARTS referee Richard Ashdown has been hailed as a ‘national treasure’ after nonchalantly rising to a challenge set by Luke Humphries.
Ashdown, 46, was having a tea break while Humphries, Chris Dobey and Damon Heta prepared for the final session of the New Zealand Darts Masters when the world No.1 offered him a challenge.
Luke Humphries challenged referee Richard Ashdown to hit a double three during New Zealand Darts Masters practice[/caption]
Ashdown stepped up to the oche with his jacket over his arm and a cup of tea in his hand[/caption]
He sensationally nailed the double three first time[/caption]
Ashdown nonchalantly walked away with a smirk on his face as Humphries and Damon Heta watched on in disbelief[/caption]
As the caller watched their practice, Humphries offered him the chance to throw three darts to try and and hit a double three.
Ashdown confidently told Humphries he could do it with just one, strolling up to the oche with his coat over his arm and a cup of tea in his hand.
Without so much as putting his tea down, the Bedfordshire referee nailed the double three first time – sparking a superb reaction from Humphries, Dobey and Heta.
Perhaps even more superb was Ashdown’s own reaction, as he sauntered off casually with a cheeky grin on his face.
Ashdown uploaded footage of the incredible moment to his X account, where he was lauded by fans who were in awe of his casual brilliance.
One wrote: “The dart, the brew, the walk off. You are a national treasure”.
While another added: “That is just brilliant”.
A third posted: “Iconic that”.
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Luke Humphries labelled the moment as: “One of the coldest things I’ve ever seen”.
And Damon Heta jokingly replied: “No one likes a show off”.
Ashdown went straight back to his refereeing after his sensational moment in the spotlight, as Luke Littler earned himself the New Zealand Masters crown in an 8-4 victory over Humphries in the final.
It was Littler’s third title in the space of a month, earning him another £30,000 in prize money after picking up wins in the World Matchplay and Australian Masters.
Luke Littler won the New Zealand Darts Masters to extend his incredible form[/caption]