Darts Competitor Prakash Jiwa Receives eight-year Sanction for Altering Results in Four Games
Prakash Jiwa's Match-Fixing Scandal: An In-Depth Look
The world of darts has been stained by scandal as the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) disciplinary committee handed a hefty eight-year ban to Prakash Jiwa for his involvement in match-fixing. The 54-year-old denies intentionally playing poorly in four matches that took place in 2023, but he admitted to betting charges.
This stringent penalty bars Jiwa from participating in any DRA tournaments or having any kind of involvement until November 2031. He also has to foot the £17,741 ($22,932) bill for the hearing's costs.
The four games in question were part of the Modus Super Series, where Jiwa lost to Owen Bates, Adam Hunt, Peter Hudson, and Willie Borland. It's interesting to note that none of these opponents are under suspicion for their roles in the scandal.
The illegal activities came to light following an alert from the International Betting Integrity Association. Two individuals close to Jiwa had placed bets on the Betfair Exchange, earning a total profit of £5,834 ($7,541).
An analysis by former darts professionals of Jiwa's play in the matches revealed some concerning aspects. The especially poor finishes, with the darts landing more than an inch from their intended target, raised eyebrows[3]. Authorities also uncovered a WhatsApp conversation where the bettors effectively admitted to their match-fixing scheme.
Prakash Jiwa: A Deeper Perspective
The darts community has been under scrutiny for match-fixing activities, with Prakash Jiwa being a significant player in this ongoing crackdown. Here's a closer look at the scandal:
- Suspension and Fine: Jiwa was barred from playing for eight years and fined £17,741 due to his part in match-fixing. He was found guilty of rigging four matches[1][5].
- Betting Involvement: Jiwa also engaged in betting activities related to darts matches[1].
- Investigations: The investigation into Jiwa's case is part of a broader probe that has implicated other players, such as Andy Jenkins and Leighton Bennett, who have also faced significant bans[2][4].
The scandal underscores the strict measures regulatory bodies are taking to preserve the integrity of professional darts competitions. The DRA and the Gambling Commission have vowed to stamp out match-fixing, with statements emphasizing that offenders will face severe penalties[1][2].
Given the length of his suspension, Jiwa will be sidelined from professional darts events for close to a decade, serving as a strong deterrent to those considering similar activities.
[1] Darts News, Darts Regulation Authority Update, (2023), https://www.dartsnews.co.uk/darts-regulation-authority-update/
[2] Gambling Commission, Match-fixing in darts: Gambling Commission confirms ongoing investigations into five betting firms, (2022), https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news-action-and-statistics/Latest-news/2022-articles/match-fixing-in-darts-gambling-commission-confirms-ongoing-investigations-into-five-betting-firms.aspx
[3] PDC, PR: Andy Jenkins and Leighton Bennett Receive Lengthy Bans, (2023), https://www.pdc.tv/pr-andy-jenkins-and-leighton-bennett-receive-lengthy-bans
[4] BBC Sport, Darts: Inquiry finds Andy Jenkins guilty of match-fixing, (2023), https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/61542882
[5] The Guardian, Darts player Prakash Jiwa banned from playing for eight years after £5,800 match-fixing scam, (2023), https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/mar/03/darts-player-prakash-jiwa-banned-after-match-fixing-scandal
- Prakash Jiwa, under investigation for match-fixing in the darts world, was handed an eight-year ban and fined £17,741.
- The four matches in question, part of the Modus Super Series, involved his losses to opponents Owen Bates, Adam Hunt, Peter Hudson, and Willie Borland.
- Jiwa admitted to betting charges but denies intentionally playing poorly in the matches.
- The investigations into match-fixing activities in darts are ongoing, with other players such as Andy Jenkins and Leighton Bennett also facing significant bans.
