Archie Self, a 16-year-old darts player from Thatcham, Berkshire, has become the youngest competitor to achieve a nine-dart finish live on British television. Self accomplished the feat during the opening leg of his MODUS Super Series Champions Week Group A match against Daniel Ayres in Portsmouth on Monday, surpassing the previous record set by Luke Littler earlier in 2024.

Self, known by the nickname "The Archer," executed the perfect leg by hitting seven consecutive treble 20s, followed by a treble 19, and finished on double 12. At 16 years and 345 days old, he established a new milestone for the youngest televised nine-darter, edging out Littler, who was 16 years and 363 days when he recorded his historic nine-dart throw against Nathan Aspinall during the Bahrain Darts Masters in January 2024.

Ayres, 38 and 22 years Self’s senior, congratulated the teenager with a handshake and hug before the second leg commenced. Self’s victory over Ayres by 4-1 secured his position at the top of Group A, qualifying him for the Champions Night scheduled for Saturday, which will be broadcast live on the MODUS Super Series Darts Channel via Pluto TV.

Self began playing darts at the age of two and is part of a growing number of young players making significant strides in the sport. In addition to his televised nine-darter, he revealed that he also recorded another backstage during practice. Just 15 last year, Self captured the 2024 WDF World Boys Championship.

Reflecting on his achievement, Self described how the moment felt both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. “I was shaking after that. I needed to calm down to win the game,” he said. “It flowed perfectly, but I feel I play better with nerves.” He also noted that he had come close to a nine-darter throughout the tournament, previously hitting seven and eight perfect darts in a row during competition.

Self faced world number one Littler at the Players Championship 27 in August but was defeated 6-2. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence and determination to improve on his previous performance in the MODUS Super Series, aiming to advance beyond the group stage to the semifinals.

Other young players who have thrown nine-darters at a relatively early age include Dutch player Michael van Gerwen, who achieved the feat at 17 years and 298 days, as well as Sebastian Bialecki from Poland, who was 19 when he recorded his nine-darter. Self’s performance continues to highlight the emergence of youthful talent in the sport of darts.