PDC player ‘banned’ from darts competition for first time in 20 years over bizarre reason

PDC Tour Card holder Robert Owen has been ‘banned’ from playing in a local darts event, simply because he is too good.

Owen, who has played in the Ogmore Valley Dart League for more than 20 years, is no longer allowed to compete.

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The Welshman reached the last 16 of the PDC World Darts Championship last year and is a UK Open semi-finalist.

But alongside his professional play, he regularly features in his local competition, becoming a long-term member.

However, it seems his talents have outgrown the Ogmore Valley Dart League, as he has now been banned from playing.

At least according to one of his rivals in the league, John Collins, who posted a furious rant on social media this week.

Collins has been left ‘totally gobsmacked’ at the decision that has seen PDC player Owen blocked from competing.

Owen banned for being ‘too good’

He wrote: “Local Professional darts player Robert Owen has been banned from playing in his local dart league. A league he has graced for more than 20years.

“WHY? I hear you ask. No, not for a positive drug test, no, not for being abusive to an official, no, he didn’t lose control and strike an opponent. Simply for being too good.

“I am totally gobsmacked that this decision has been made. In my mind, Rob should be the flag bearer of the league rather than an outlaw.

“I have played in this league for more than 40 years and this is the worst decision they have ever made.

“Ogmore Valley Dart League should hold its head in shame. I’m done.”

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There has yet to be any official confirmation that Owen has been banned by the Ogmore Valley Dart League.

And it is unclear whether the supposed ban is specific to the 41-year-old, or whether it is regarding a rule covering all players.

Owen’s PDC career

Owen holds a 2026 PDC Tour Card and regularly features in the Players Championship and European Tour qualifiers.

In the majors, the Welsh star made the semi-finals of the UK Open in 2018 and enjoyed the World Championships last year.

He made it through to the last 16 at Alexandra Palace by beating Niels Zonneveld, Gabriel Clemens and Ricky Evans, before Callan Rydz knocked him out.

Then, at the UK Open in 2025, Owen beat Michael van Gerwen before going on to lose to James Wade.