‘Just calm down’ – Bizarre advice in World Seniors Darts final leaves opponent baffled

Ross Montgomery clinched the 2025 World Seniors Darts Championship title in style defeating Graham Usher.

But aside from Montgomery's 5-1 win on Saturday night at the Circus Tavern, a moment of controversy arose in the third set’s deciding leg.

Usher had squandered nine darts to close it out, allowing Montgomery to capitalise and take a 2-1 lead.

What happened next raised eyebrows. After retrieving his darts, Montgomery approached Usher, tapped his chest, and pointed to his own temple, appearing to urge the Englishman to keep his composure.

The exchange left Usher momentarily puzzled, but Montgomery insists there was no gamesmanship involved.

“Graham has kicked my arse many times because he’s a fantastic player. I told him on stage ‘Graham, just calm down and be yourself son,’" Montgomery explained.

“If you win, you win. Just calm down. This is all about a game of darts. Graham is a fantastic player; he will be back.

"He will be kicking backsides" he added.

Montgomery, the 62-year-old Scot and two-time Dutch Open winner, was visibly emotional after sealing what could be the biggest triumph of his career.

“I’ve loved every single minute of it,” Montgomery reflected.

“I came here with the fantastic news I’m going to be a grandad. I dedicate this to my two grandchildren that are coming soon."

His victory extends Scotland’s dominance in the tournament, following in the footsteps of Robert Thornton, who won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, and John Henderson, the 2024 champion.

Montgomery, who eliminated Thornton in the quarter-finals, now adds his name to the illustrious list of Scottish winners.

"It’s going to be a good year but I don’t know if I’ve got time to play darts. They don’t put averages on trophies.

"There are fantastic players in the seniors that have been here long before. Honestly, I’m over the moon," he said.

As for what’s next, Montgomery remains undecided. “Winning this, it’s got to be the icing on the cake, then I’ll need to sit down and discuss what’s happening," he admitted.

"It could be a good end to my career.”