Sir Chris Hoy to make surprise appearance at World Darts Championship final with special role
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Hoy was invited to the final at Alexandra Palace by Paddy Power and Prostate Cancer UK, who have partnered for this year's World Darts Championships.
The six-time Olympic gold medalist will present the award to the players who finishes the tournament with the most 180s.
The award was first established last year when Luke Humphries picked up the trophy after throwing 73 maximums during the tournament.
The award was first designed as part of Paddy Power's 'The Big 180' campaign where they pledged to donate £1,000 to Prostate Cancer UK for every maximum hit during last year's championships.
Sir Chris Hoy will present the Ballon d'Art
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This year, the bookmakers added an extra £180,000 bonus for any nine-darter hit during the tournament.
The bonus would be split evenly between the player, Prostate Cancer UK and a lucky fan picked out in the crowd.
A nine-darter has been achieved twice in this year's World Championships, meaning Paddy Power have paid out a total of £360,000.
But there's also been a total of 882 180s thrown throughout the tournament, bringing that total to £1,002,000.
Littler is in a commanding position to take the Ballon d'Art trophy this year having thrown an incredible 64 180s.
Michael van Gerwen is currently tied in second with 43 and will have to overcome a huge gap to topple his opponent.
The 17-year-old has been the tournament favourite from the outset and remains the bookies' choice for this evening.
Van Gerwen isn't paying too much attention to the odds though and feels his three world titles can give him the edge.
Sir Chris Hoy was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year
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“My experience could be really important,” he said.
“With the bookmakers and with the fans I may be the underdog, but with those who know me, it may be a little bit different!
“I haven’t won anything yet though; I’ve only reached the final and the final means nothing!
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The World Darts Championship final takes place this evening
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“I want to win and that is the only thing that counts for me, winning.”
He added: “Luke Littler is a great player and what he’s done for the sport is great, so fair play to him. Who would underestimate that?
“I don’t really look at stats because I don’t care, it’s about what you’re doing now, and whatever is in your path you have to face it, beat it and go from there.
“I only have one target and that’s to try and win it.”
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