Darts: Tim Pusey barred from using ‘The Magnet’ nickname ahead of world champs debut

Tim Pusey has been banned from using his "The Magnet" nickname at certain events. Photo / PDC

Australian darts player Tim Pusey has revealed he must adopt a new nickname before his world championship debut after his current moniker was deemed too risque.

The 33-year-old has always gone by “The Magnet”, but because of the sexual connotations when combined with his surname it’s been deemed unacceptable for televised events organised by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).

Under current rules, the PDC reserves the right to “prohibit offensive, vulgar or inappropriate nicknames” and while they haven’t officially commented on Pusey, he’s revealed himself he’s not allowed to use it.

Speaking on the Tungsten Tales podcast, Pusey said he will consider taking to social media to find an alternative.

“I’m going to have to find a new one,” Pusey said. “That’s why I don’t have any of that on my shirt.”

“We might have to do some sort of poll, but it’s hard, because everything can be turned.

“At the moment I don’t have any [alternatives] and the chants can be colourful.”

When Pusey made his televised darts debut at the Auckland Darts Masters in 2018 he was allowed to use the nickname, but times have changed as he had a seven-year wait to return to the stage.

Pusey played in the Australian Darts masters earlier this year and is competing in the weekly Australia-New Zealand Premier League but has been unable to use the nickname in those events.

It isn’t the first time a player has been forced to change their nickname.

In 2023, Owen Bates was prohibited from using his nickname “The Master” and he still hasn’t adopted a new one, although he will need to think of one quickly having also qualified for December’s 128-player world championship in London.

Last year, Kiwi Kayden Milne had to stop using “Half Stubby” on the stage, despite previously using it on two occasions at the New Zealand Darts Masters. He now goes by “Smiley”.

The winner of this year’s world champs will pocket $2.3 million in prize money. Jonny Tata is the only Kiwi to have qualified so far but there is a chance at least one more could join him.

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.