Elias Van Den Borre

Top of Darts in Affligem was the perfect stage for 16-year-old Elias Van Den Borre to make his debut as a marker (scorekeeper) on the big stage. Live, under pressure, and reassured by a calming word from caller Russ Bray.

Dartschool: How did that opportunity come about?

Elias: We were in the VIP area and my dad told the organisers it was my dream to score on stage someday. After checking with the caller and the players, they gave me a chance.

Which match did you get to score?

The celebrity match: Pedro Elias / Gerwyn Price versus Wesley Sonck / Jonny Clayton. It was fantastic to be up there with those stars.

You worked right next to Russ Bray. What was that like?

He’s super friendly. I told him I was a bit nervous and afraid of making mistakes. He said, “We’re all human, we all make mistakes.” That really put me at ease.

Did you get much of a briefing beforehand?

Very short, backstage, where to mark the bull winner and loser on the scoreboard, how we’d note the scores… Before I knew it, we were on stage, and thankfully it went smoothly.

Can you always hear the caller clearly?

The PDC uses earpieces; we didn’t have those. I stood next to Russ, but sometimes I still had to check where the darts landed. From that angle it isn’t always ideal. Once I thought I saw S20–T5–T19, so I wrote 92. The caller announced 82—it was S5 instead of T5. I corrected it immediately and carried on.

Dartschool: Do slip-ups throw you off balance?

They used to. Now I think, “It happened, next one.” That mindset helps.

Have you always been good at math?

In darts it’s mostly pattern recognition. I’ve got a bit of a knack for it, but you really learn by playing and marking a lot. Many people are wary of 19s, but my dad loves aiming at 19, so I learned those patterns extra well.

What calculation tricks do you use?

I often work around 100. 93 becomes –100, +7; 67 is –70, +3. It’s quick. For some strange reason, numbers with 7 still trip me up a little.

How do you approach checkouts?

Elias: Also with patterns. Take 138: if I start T19, that leaves 81. S19 makes 62, then I like T10 to leave 32. My favourite double is D8, but with 32 you obviously go D16.

Dartschool: Any tips for people who feel stressed when scoring?

Find your own shortcuts, whatever works for you. As a player, practice 501 in your head: subtract after each visit so you learn the patterns. Count along when you watch darts on TV. And mistakes? They happen. Correct them and move on.

Do players often thank you?

Yes, usually a handshake or a fist bump. I appreciate that. Honestly, after my own matches I sometimes forget to do it myself because of the nerves, that’s part of it.

What darts do you throw yourself?

Bull’s Ross Smith, 24 grams. Simple and solid, they suit me.

Finally, ambitions toward the pro circuit as a marker?

I emailed the PDC. It sounded okay, but I’m still too young: the minimum age is 18. I’ll turn 17 soon, so a bit more patience.

Best of luck—we’re rooting for you!