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Darts fans are already looking forward to seeing Owen Bates in action having booked his place at the 2024 World Championship.

And while there is no denying his talent, it is his nickname that has had fans rolling in laughter and cannot wait to hear it read out by stadium MCs at Alexandra Palace in December.

It was a night to remember for Smith as he became world number one for the first time
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It was a night to remember for Smith as he became world number one for the first timeCredit: AFP

After finishing second at the Challenge Tour Order of Merit, the 20-year-old will make his Ally Pally debut in one of the highlights of the sporting calendar for many.

As the biggest darts event of the year, all eyes will be on the oche as well as the fancy dress costumes.

That includes Owen 'The Master' Bates, who might earn himself a giggle as he makes his way on stage this winter.

It has not taken long for Bates to garner quite the following, though whether his nickname is bellowed out by MC John McDonald remains to be seen.

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One X user posted: "Owen Bates confirmed for Ally Pally. Be interesting to see if he takes to the stage with that nickname. I’m thinking he doesn’t."

Another posted: “Don’t make him change his nickname."

And another commented: “Let him keep his nickname please, PDC.”

This fan asked: "So… is Owen Bates going to have to change his nickname at Ally Pally?"

Owen 'The Master' Bates might get the biggest cheer at the World Championships this year
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Owen 'The Master' Bates might get the biggest cheer at the World Championships this yearCredit: PDC

And another replied that Bates might get away with it, because of how nicknames are now announced.

They said: "Nah. They announce nicknames first don’t they? So it will be The Master - Owen Bates. Unfortunately!"

While his cheeky nickname might be garnering attention, Bates is an up-and-coming talent not to be ignored.

His average of 90.09 after 81 matches places him in the higher bracket of most players.

And at the age of 20, there is still plenty in the tank for Bates to enjoy a long career while he has already claimed victory this year.

At the PDC Challenge Tour 19 in Milton Keynes, the Master emerged victorious and later signed for a deal with darts manufactory Loxley Darts.

He regularly trains with 2021 Players Championship Finals runner-up Ryan Searle while he bested Mike Warburton in the Challenge Tour 24 semi-final on Monday.

That has set him up on the PDC Tour Card for 2024/25 as a result ahead of what promises to be a blossoming career.