How has the once low key sport of darts become such big news? If, like many, you associate darts with Bullseye on the TV, smoky pubs and an annual two week appearance on our screens for the world championships, then think again.

Thanks to the emergence of the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) and big time exposure from Sky Sports, darts has quickly become the new Rock 'n' roll. During a recent visit by a long time family friend, I suggested we watch some sports. After his initial comments of "Darts!! Are you serious?" we settled down to some PDC Premier League arrows. Within five minutes he was, as I had been for weeks, transfixed by the spectacle on view. Still the players were the mainly overweight men in brightly coloured shirts but that was where the connection with the past ended.

Now sell-out crowds of thousands, madly waving '180' or 'Hello Mum' banners, greet the players as they enter the 'arena' to a Rockstar style fanfare. 'Is this the way to Amarillo', 'Rocky' and 'The Power' blast out as the pros make their way to the stage along a walkway of flashing lights and grasping hands all keen to touch skin with their heroes.

This sporting metamorphosis has changed the players into entertainers which the crowds and viewing TV public (myself included) lap up. Gone are the plain old Jocky Wilsons. No self respecting darts pro is complete without a nickname. Phil 'The Power' Taylor, Adrian 'Jackpot' Lewis' & Peter 'One Dart' Manley are just some of the wondrous nom de darts these arrow throwing icons adopt.

Darts has now, more than in the past, become a truly global, high profile sport. Big events in Europe, Asia and Las Vegas highlight its burgeoning popularity. One time rulers of darts, the BDO (British Darts Organisation), have even woken up to the 'entertainment' factor in today's game. With so many of their players defecting to the PDC, the BDO had become the 'poor man's' version of pro darts. Thankfully, they are adding the glitz and showmanship of the PDC to their many fine tournaments.

None of this Rock 'n' Roll style should detract from the fact that these dartsmen are greatly skilled at what they do. Countless hours of practice along with the natural raw talent are needed to attain the levels of skill these players regularly exhibit. To be able to throw a pointed 23 gram object into a tiny target area is certainly no small feat.

And now I hear that darts is to be considered as an invitational sport for the 2012 London Olympics!! Cue mass hysteria from sports snobs. ("It's not a real sport, just a pastime", "They're not athletes). I and countless darts fans worldwide would disagree. Sure, these men can't run 100m in under10 secs or a 4 minute mile. Some sportsmen are built for speed, some for endurance. These sporting behemoths are built for precision.