Who was the first ever professional darts player (Alan Glazier)

[puzzleking123]

Was it Alan Glazier in 1973? Thanks

[factor-fiction]

In which country?

[Spotty Dog]

Shouldn't think there was a first one! There would have to be at least two.

[factor-fiction]

Wikipedia says he was "ONE of the first darts players who turned professional in an attempt to make a full-time living from the game of darts as it grew in popularity during the 1970s. "

[Dudley]

It was almost certainly Jim Pike who back in around the 1950s who played money matches against Joe Hitchcock and Leo Newstead and the News of the World Champion of the day and then moved on to tv work where he hit the symbols on playing cards attached to a board etc. He also played all comers using six inch nails instead of darts. Part of his act was removing cigarettes from volunteers mouths and knocking pennies off their noses such was his accuracy.