Can Ian ^Diamond White^ join Denmark, Daly & Ivanesevic in Super Subs Club?
Ian White the 3rd place qualifier for the Grand Slam of Darts will be attempting to join a list of legendary sporting moments that came from nowhere to win major titles.
Denmark - Euro 1992:
The Danish team were eliminated form the European football championships, to be held in Sweden, after failure in the group qualifying stages, however in the final months leading up to the event the state of Yugoslavia imploded into civil way and the football team was excluded from the event allowing Demark a second bite at the cherry. Astonishingly they won the entire event, beating a superb Holland side in the semi-final, Peter Schmeichel Saving a penalty from Marco Van Basten and then the reigning world champions Germany in the final!
John Daly - PGA Champion 1991:
After only turning pro that year and joining the PGA Tour, Daly was 9th reserve for the PGA championships from the notoriously difficult Crooked Stick course. Significantly he was the only one who could make it in time when Nick price withdrew for the birth of a second child. Famously Daly drove himself to the venue, had no practice round availed himself of prices caddy, shot 4 rounds under 73, and finished as the 3 under par and champion of the event!
Goran Ivanisevic - Wimbledon Champion 2001:
The only wildcard player and the lowest ranked (125) to win a Grand Slam Tennis event. Due to injury and poor form Goran was dependant on The All England club^s generosity after failing to qualify for Wimbledon 2001. Due to his popularity and valiant previous efforts, in the championships, Goran was given a courtesy wildcard (often used for home players). The Two Goran’s (as he called the twin sides of his nature) then provided an amazing roller coaster ride to the final defeating 3 former or future world No.1^s on the way and of course our own Tim Henman in a dramatic rain altered 5 set match. The final against Pat Rafter played on Peoples Monday is the stuff of legend, the two Goran’s wrestled with each other as much as with Rafter. 5 sets of the highest drama and quality were finally brought to a close with Goran mastering his tortured soul for 1 more ace! 9-7 to win the final set and Wimbledon 2001.
Ian White - Grand Slam of Darts 2011!
The last qualifier to gain his place, following a play off and an injury to Simon Whitlock, only gaining official confirmation 5 days before the start of the event and his first game. The tale is yet to be written in full but will include an opening night battle with 5 times World Champion Raymond van Barneveld, A second & third match against 2 time Lakeside World Champion Ted `The Count Hankey^ and 2011 Lakeside Runner Up Dean Winstanley.
Add to this Ian previous as the fairytale underdog, in 1997 he fought through from pub qualifiers to play Phil `The Power^ Taylor in final of The News of The World Event! It will be almost 15 years from that day to when he undertakes his Grand Slam of Darts Adventure.
So will it be Daly 1991, Ivanesivic 2001 & White 2011?