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'People say, ‘What’s the point in playing?’ But I’m not someone who gives up': Kevin Painter not letting dartitis battle end career

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 12:10 PM ET

At the MODUS Super Series Live Lounge in Portsmouth, darts legend Kevin Painter, known as “The Artist,” sat down with fellow professional Matthew Edgar for an in-depth and candid conversation about his career, recent challenges, and the road ahead.

Painter recalls meeting Edgar when he was around 15, practicing at the local club. “At the time, he wasn’t very good,” Painter joked. Edgar laughed and responded, “Nothing’s changed.” Painter added with a smile, “He got better obviously, and that was all down to me.” Edgar quickly agreed, “Of course it was.”

Recent Struggles with Dartitis

Painter opened up about a difficult 13 months battling dartitis, a condition that causes involuntary hesitation or inability to release the dart. “It’s been frustrating,” he said. “Sometimes I’ll go a few legs where I don’t have it, then sometimes it’ll be my first dart, my last dart, second, just comes out of the blue.”

He explained how dartitis disrupts the subconscious rhythm of throwing. “When you’re playing well, you never think about how you’re throwing a dart. You just do it, same way you drive a car. But if you start thinking about every move, like during a driving test, you overcompensate and it all breaks down.”

Despite the challenges, Painter noted that the condition can strike anywhere, from local vaults to big televised events. “I don’t have as many issues at exhibitions, even playing in front of a lot of people. Then I’ll go down the local vaults, 12 people there, and I’ll have issues.”

Inspiration and Mental Fortitude

Painter highlighted how the examples of other players have helped him persevere. “Nathan Aspinall went public with his struggles and he’s still world number seven. He won the World Matchplay and played brilliantly in the Premier League with the same issues.” He also mentioned Mark Walsh, who overcame similar problems and came back stronger.

“It’s tested you,” Painter admitted. “A lot of thoughts come in, ‘Why am I even bothering?’, ‘Am I ever going to get past this?’ But you draw inspiration from others.”

A Storied Career

Looking back, Painter called his career “not too bad.” He recalled the frustration of often facing Phil Taylor early in tournaments due to their rankings. “I was ranked 16, then got to 15, and Phil dropped to two. Then I moved to eight, and Phil was back to number one. I always ended up facing him early.”

Painter described his introduction to darts as a teenager balancing football and darts. “Football was everything at first, then I put a board up in my bedroom and just took to it. Some of my mates were better than me, but they drifted away and I stuck with it.”

He recounted how he made darts his career by chance, moving from the building trade to professional darts at age 26, supported by a manager he worked with for 17 years.

The 2004 World Championship Final

Painter vividly remembers the 2004 World Championship final against Taylor. “In big TV events, it’s all about getting through the first round. Once you do that, you start thinking, ‘I could do some damage here.’ I was confident going in, even though most thought I’d get beat 7-1 or 7-2.”

He led 4-1 at one point and had chances to extend his lead but missed key doubles. “Phil just kept pulling something out, a big finish or a great leg. That’s what he did.”

Regarding the sudden-death leg to decide the title, Painter said, “I didn’t think much about it at the time. I’m proud of the game. It was a great final, a pleasure to be in it.”

Winning a TV Major in 2011

His triumph at the 2011 Players Championship Finals was a career highlight. “I wasn’t in form going in. I played okay in the first round and just got better each game.” He defeated Mark Webster in the final and described it as one of the easiest matches he ever had.

After years of coming close, lifting the trophy was a relief. “After the 2004 final, Stuart Pyke said I’d never recover, never win a TV major. So when I lifted the trophy, I said, ‘Where’s Pykey? Have some of that!’”

Premier League Experience

Painter enjoyed his time in the Premier League, describing it as “absolutely brilliant.” The experience of playing in front of huge crowds and traveling the country was thrilling. However, it sometimes distracted from the focus needed for the Players Championships and floor events.

“From 10,000 fans one night to a floor tournament in an empty room for £500, it’s hard,” he said. “I always wanted to be on stage. I’d get bored at floor events.”

Looking to the Future

Painter said he won’t be in the next Seniors event as the organisers have picked 12 players and he’s not at 100 percent. However, he plans to return for the World Seniors next February. He has also taken up commentary and punditry work, enjoying the new perspective.

“People say, ‘What’s the point in playing?’ But I’m not someone who gives up. I’ll keep playing until it goes, and maybe it never will go fully. I’ll keep fighting.”

This article first appeared on Dartsnews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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