Sports

How Phil Taylor Once Managed to Hit Rare 240 Shot in Darts

Published

1 day ago

July 27, 2026

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Did you know that it was once possible to hit a 240-point shot in darts? Sixteen-time world champion Phil Taylor, now 64, was responsible for the remarkable score which is now impossible to achieve in the sport 33 years later.

Regarded as one of the greatest darts players of all time, if not the greatest, Taylor has an impressive total of 85 major titles to his name. Known as ‘The Power,’ the Englishman holds multiple records, including the most televised nine-dart finishes with 11, and being the first player to hit two nine-darters in a single match.

Much of his success came during an era when darts was less popular than it is today. Thanks to Luke Littler’s recent rise to stardom, the working man’s javellin is now one of the most popular spots in the UK.

However, this also means many newcomers may not fully appreciate the brilliance of past players. Nevertheless, rare footage of Taylor’s 240-point shot will certainly help demonstrate just how extraordinary these players were.

The 1993 UK Matchplay was held at the Aquarius Club in Chesterfield and was broadcast by ITV’s Yorkshire television. In a first for the competition, Taylor scored 240 — the highest possible score achievable with three darts. This remarkable feat was made possible by the introduction of the ‘Quadro’ board the previous year by Harrows Darts Technology.

The Quadro board featured an additional ring between the double ring and the outer bullseye, allowing players to hit quadruples as well as trebles. The highest possible checkout was 210, achieved by hitting two quadruple 20s followed by the bullseye. However, Taylor surpassed this by scoring the maximum 240 against Jocky Wilson, who eventually reached the final but lost to Dennis Priestley.

The announcer shouted “240!” in the same way they now do for 180s. Taylor’s shot is considered the second-ever 240 recorded on camera, with Wilson, Shayne Burgess, Bob Anderson, and Peter Evison later achieving the same feat during the event.

As the caption of the viral tweet reveals, the Quadro board was in play for a few years but, according to Patrick Chaplin, darts players were often left confused by the fact there were so many combinations that were tough to remember. Referees and callers also had great difficulty having to quickly work out the scores.

In 2000, the decision was made to discontinue it, and it hasn’t been used professionally for quite some time. However, a 2025 version has now been released, offering a more contemporary twist on the classic design. On this non-standard board, an eight-dart finish from 501 is achievable.

Sports

Gianni Infantino Sends Message to Nicolas Otamendi After Argentina Retirement

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23 minutes ago

July 28, 2026

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FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sent a message to a member of Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad, one week after the South Americans were defeated in the final by Spain.

FIFA are currently investigating Argentina to determine whether their players and coaching staff violated any of their disciplinary code in the aftermath of the World Cup final on July 19.

Several Argentina players, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala, were involved in physical altercations with their Spanish counterparts after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Argentina have been heavily criticised for their post-match conduct after being outclassed by Luis de la Fuente’s side.

Aside from the physical altercations, Argentina’s players were also seen with their backs turned when Rodri lifted the World Cup. Lisandro Martinez has provided an explanation, insisting it was not a show of disrespect towards Spain, but it was seen as another unsavoury incident that marred world football’s biggest fixture.

Infantino Sends Message to Nicolas Otamendi

However, Infantino has shown support towards Argentina in the aftermath of the final, despite FIFA’s ongoing investigation.

An eye-opening letter to the Argentine Football Association from the under-fire FIFA boss was leaked over the weekend.

And now Infantino has issued a public show of support for Nicolas Otamendi, who announced his international retirement last week.

Otamendi didn’t appear to be involved in a physical altercation after the World Cup final but was seen lambasting his former Manchester City teammate Rodri, reportedly calling him an “idiot” due to comments made about Argentina in the build-up to the final.

Over on Instagram – where Infantino has been particularly active in recent days, posting a 15-slide defence of the 2026 World Cup earlier this week – the FIFA president dedicated a post to Otamendi, writing: “Congratulations Nicolas Otamendi on an outstanding international career.

“A FIFA World Cup winner in 2022, a FIFA World Cup finalist once again in 2026 and one of Argentina’s most-capped players with 139 appearances, your leadership and determination helped shape a remarkable era for your national team.

“Thank you for the unforgettable moments you gave football fans around the world while proudly representing Argentina. I wish you every success in your next chapter.”

Infantino included love heart and clapping emojis and signed off with the hashtag: “#FootballUnitedTheWorld”.

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Comments on Infantino’s Instagram post have been turned off. It’s not difficult to imagine the type of reaction this post would have received from the wider football community.

Meanwhile, La Liga president Javier Tebas has slammed Infantino on X (Twitter), labelling his staunch defence of this summer’s World Cup as “pathetic”.

Sports

Liverpool Fans’ Andoni Iraola Chant: Lyrics & Song Tune

Published

45 minutes ago

July 28, 2026

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One thing can be said about the Liverpool supporters — they will get behind their players and their manager before a ball has even been kicked.

And the Reds’ new boss, Andoni Iraola, may not have yet had the chance to earn the endearment of the fans, but he has already been gifted his own chant ahead of his first Premier League campaign in charge of the Merseyside outfit.

The Spaniard earned acclaim in 2025/26, guiding Bournemouth to sixth place and European qualification for the first time in the club’s history. Iraola’s passion translated to the Liverpool fans during his first interviews as manager, resulting in a stadium-ready chant for the season opener.

Liverpool Fans’ Andoni Iraola Chant Lyrics

The Kop have penned some memorable chants over the years for their most popular players and their new arrivals. An early draft for Iraola’s song took inspiration from The Kinks’ famous hit “Lola”. However, one well-liked entry, which has now been viewed over 1.8 million times on X, seems to have stormed into pole position.

Merseyside-based singer-songwriter Kieo has provided both the lyrics and song inspiration for the latest additon to the Anfield songbook:

No pasaran the pledge that makes us fight

Adelante is the cry amongst The Kopites

Let us sing for Liverpool tonight

Tune for Liverpool’s Andoni Iraola Chant

Kieo has earned a solid following on Merseyside, regularly performing in and around Anfield, but he may just be about to write himself into Anfield folklore should his viral chant gain traction heading into the new Premier League season.

The singer-songwriter’s lyrics are set to “Viva la Quinta Brigada” by Irish folk artist Christy Moore. When translated into English, the song’s title means “Long live the Fifth Brigade.” The original track pays tribute to the brave Irish citizens who volunteered to help Spain in their war against General Franco’s fascist regime during the Civil War in the 1930s.

The inspiration behind the chant bears resemblance to another Liverpool cult figure’s chant. Federico Chiesa’s anthem is also set to an anti-fascist song, “Bella Ciao”, which provides a good omen ahead of Iraola’s first campaign.

But the anti-fascist element has a deeper meaning that will surely resonate with the Liverpool manager. Iraola hails from the Basque Country, a region which was strongly targeted by Franco due to its unique cultural language and identity.

Raised in a distinct region of Spain, Iraola’s upbringing is likely to resonate with Liverpool both as a club and a city. The maritime city is well known for its left-wing values and working-class identity. Athletic Bilbao, the Basque Country club Iraola made 510 appearances for, famously prioritise local academy prospects over global scouting, only signing and fielding players who have a Basque Country connection.

Other Andoni Iraola Chants

Andoni Iraola gives thumbs-up after Bournemouth Premier League game

Liverpool have more than a few Spanish greats lining the pages of its history books and the supporters have already adapted one of their cult Spanish players’ songs for the new manager. The classic “He drinks Sangria” melody, originally adapted for Champions League winner Luis Garcia, has found new life as an Iraola chant. The new lyrics make reference to the manager’s move from Bournemouth and his pressing style of play.

A quicker-paced chant has also been making the rounds on TikTok and is sure to be on the lips of supporters if Liverpool find themselves returning to greater fortunes this season:

Woke up this morning to the Reds on top, A forty-yarder flying into the Kop, Who’s the man that makes us play? I-RA-O-LA!

Sports

Football’s Lawmakers Say Argentina Decision Was Wrong

Published

1 hour ago

July 28, 2026

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There have been plenty of conspiracy theories when it comes to Argentina making it all the way to the final of the World Cup, and almost winning it despite a dismal showing against Spain in the showpiece event in New Jersey.

The South American side were very fortunate in their last 16 clash with Egypt to see an incredible Egyptian goal ruled out for a foul that took place long before the goal was scored, way back near the Argentina goalline.

There were then plenty of complaints during the semi-final match with England that Argentina stars were not punished with yellow cards for some less than savoury tackles. The South Americans then took that mindset into the final against Spain, with 25 fouls committed and just two shots – both coming in extra-time after they were 1-0 down.

Argentina got a major helping hand in the quarter-final too

And another decision in an Argentina match in the lead-up to the final is now under review by football’s lawmakers IFAB (International Football Association Board).

Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-final after extra-time, but they did so against ten men after Swiss star Breel Embolo had been sent off in the second half for a second yellow card.

That second yellow card came after a VAR overturn of a decision. On-field referee Joao Pinheiro had initially deemed that Leandro Paredes had fouled Embolo, with a free-kick going Switzerland’s way.

However, after looking at replays, VAR suggested Pinheiro overturn the decision with no contact being made on the Swiss player and therefore no foul being committed.

As a result, Embolo was booked for simulation and it being his second yellow card he was sent off, leading to Swiss head coach Murat Yakin to admit that it “destroyed our game”.

IFAB to conduct review into VAR protocol

'Mistaken Identity' VAR Check Seen For First Time at 2026 World Cup

Now, IFAB have said that the mistaken identity clause should only be used to identify the player who committed an offence rather than the offence itself being reviewed or changed, like with simulation. That would mean Embolo should not have seen red.

In a statement, IFAB said: “A yellow card (caution) which is not a second yellow card can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the offence that was penalised; the offence itself cannot be reviewed/changed.

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“The use of the mistaken identity clause to deal with simulation during the World Cup was well received and will be included in the detailed review of the VAR protocol announced in circular no. 32. However, it may not be used as such until that review is concluded.”

Argentina certainly got the rub of the green on their run to the final.