MALDON’S very own ‘Dr Darts’ has appeared on live TV to debate whether darts should be an Olympic sport.

Patrick Chaplin, of Norfolk Road, has a PhD in the social history of the sport and has been researching darts for more than 30 years.

As part of a Sky News story Patrick was asked if he could find a pub to be interviewed in and be filmed throwing a few darts.

For the news segment Patrick was filmed at the Carpenters Arms in Gate Street.

He said: “A researcher from Sky News contacted me and asked if I would appear live on Sky to discuss the question, “Is darts an Olympic sport?”

“It’s a question that comes up every now and again. This time I believe it was because cheer leading had just been recognised.

“Sky’s Colin Brazier in the studio asked the questions and it included the participation of Dalton Grant, Captain of Team GB at the 2012 Olympics, in another location.

“It was a great experience which I enjoyed immensely.

“The interview not only helped raise the profile of darts but also ensured that the Carpenters Arms appeared on satellite TV for the first time.”

As far as darts becoming an Olympic sport Patrick believes it is unlikely.

He added: “There are too many things working against it, least of all a world darts organisation ill-equipped to present a convincing case to the IOC.”