About WDF World Cup Men Teams 1985

Champion
1985 WDF World Cup Photographer: WDF World Cup Program John Kramer Rick Ney Tony Payne Dan Valletto

The new World Darts Federation president, Australian Peter McMenamin, hosted top darts players from 17 countries in his country from October 17 to 19, 1985. The Crest Hotel in Brisbane, Queensland is the venue. 

Malaysia is the only country that has not previously competed in a WDF World Cup. They only come with their men's team, Norway on the other hand only bring their ladies to Australia.

In the men's team event the semi-finals produced a major upset. To everyone's surprise England with John Lowe, Eric Bristow, Cliff Lazarenko & Dave Lee were beaten by as much as 0-9 by Rick Ney, John Kramer, Dan Valletto & Tony Payne on behalf of the USA. Before that, the Americans had already proved their talents against Wales 9-6 and Sweden 9-5. In the final, the USA bumped into the host country Australia. Terry O'Dea, Russell Stewart, Frank Palko & Horrie Seden led 7-2 in their semi-final against Scottish foursome Jocky Wilson, Danny Cunningham, Robert McKenzie & Jim McGuigan. However, the Scots came back strongly to 7-7, but eventually lost 7-9.

The final between Australia and the USA is very close until 6-6, then the Americans win the last three legs of the final on the spin and win 9-6. With this victory team USA shut the critics mouth, who before the tournament had stated that Nicky Virachkul and Jerry Umberger had to be in the team and that this team was doomed to failure. Rick Ney had not proven anything so far that year, Dan Valletto was with his 50 years too old and on John Kramer and Tony Payne the opinions were also divided. Afterwards, John Kramer had the best statement of them all: "We came, we saw, we kicked ass".

It is the first time that this title does not go to a British country. Rick Ney, John Kramer, Dan Valletto & Tony Payne forever have this piece of history to their name.

Callers Of WDF World Cup Men Teams 1985

WDF World Cup Men Teams 1985

Crest Hotel in
Brisbane, Queensland, AUS
Organizer:
World Darts Federation
Sponsor:
Datadart
Participants:
68
Start Date:
17 Oct 1985
End Date:
19 Oct 1985