Darts champ John O’Shea refusing to give back World Masters trophy to BDO chiefs despite threat of legal action
DEFIANT John O’Shea is refusing to hand back the World Masters trophy to bungling BDO chiefs despite the threat of legal action.
The Irishman, 45, beat Scott Waites to win his first major title in Purfleet, Essex in October 2019 – though the event was overshadowed by major administration blunders.
The 2020 tournament has not happened this month following the BDO’s dire financial issues but amateur darts bosses still want the silverware back.
O’Shea, nicknamed the Joker, wrote on Facebook: “What a week (it was) in my life and my family’s life.
“But unfortunately (it) has been tarnished from emails and threats of court proceedings from none other than…yet you guessed it.
Yet again here we are dragging what once was a great organisation through the gutter.
John O'Shea
“A tournament surrounded by glory and loved by the British darting community for as long as it’s been played for since 1974.
“Not only has the BDO folded and all players shift their darting careers elsewhere but yet again here we are dragging what once was a great organisation through the gutter.
“I’d have liked to defend the World Masters. Or at least given the opportunity to hold on to the trophy until such time as it is played for again.
“I’m well aware the trophy is not mine to keep. But why put it in storage and never seen again?
"At least it’s appreciated where it is now and well looked after and insured.”
On social media, O’Shea posted a screenshot of an official letter and text message from BDO chairman Des Jacklin, who claims the Dublin ace is contractually obliged to return the prize.
Jacklin said: “I’ve taken the liberty of already filling in the documents for legal court action.
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“And I’ll be forced to file the claim with the courts at 9am on Friday unless the trophy is returned beforehand in the manner agreed in the contract.”
The BDO world championship, which has run annually since 1978, are not set to happen in January.
The World Darts Federation claims it is launching a new World Championship and World Masters event in 2021.