Kevin Painter

Painter started playing darts around the age of 17. His first County Appearance was against Staffordshire for Essex at the Runnymede Hall, Benfleet on Saturday 15 November as a Men's B Team player, where he won 2–0 in 16 and 21 darts, recording an average of 27.08 (81.24) Once an Essex county player, his first appearance on television was in the 1994 BDO World Championship, which was notable as the first BDO World Championship to follow the split in darts, where 16 players formed the World Darts Council (later Professional Darts Corporation) and their own world championship. Painter was defeated in the first round 3–2 by Kevin Kenny. During that year (1994) he also appeared on TV's Bullseye and won the pro's Bronze Bully for that year with a score of 380 (doubled up to £760 for charity). He reached the second round of the 1995 championship before falling 3–0 to Martin Adams, but success followed later in 1995 with a win in the inaugural England Open and in 1997 he won the prestigious British Open. Two more appearances in the second round of the BDO World Championship followed and in the 2000 championship he reached his first televised quarter-final, but lost 5–2 to the eventual champion Ted Hankey.

The new millennium marked more success for Painter with victory in the Swedish Open. Only a month earlier he had made his debut in a PDC event – the 2000 World Grand Prix where he reached the second round, but was defeated 3–2 by Taylor. Painter however did not become a member of the Professional Dart Players Association, the organisation that allows players to play in all PDC events, and therefore remained a BDO player. In what would be his final appearance in the event, Painter once again reached the quarter-finals in the 2001 BDO World Championship before losing 5–2 to Andy Fordham. Painter entered another PDC event, the 2001 World Matchplay, but lost in the first round before returning again in the 2001 World Grand Prix, where in a major shock he defeated Taylor in the first round. Taylor had never before been defeated in this event and had not lost on television for two years prior to this loss. This was also the first time that Taylor had been defeated in the first round of a televised PDC event. Painter reached the quarter-finals before losing 6–1 to Dennis Smith. Back in the BDO he made his best performance in the 2001 Winmau World Masters, reaching the quarter-finals and repeated that placing in the 2001 Zuiderduin Masters, in what was his last BDO event.

Painter made his debut in the PDC World Championship in the 2002 event but lost in the first round to Ronnie Baxter. Despite a victory in the 2002 Bob Anderson Classic, he failed to make any real headway in the televised PDC events until he reached his first world championship semi-final in the 2003 PDC World Championship, where he lost 6–4 to eventual champion John Part.

Painter's finest hour came in the 2004 World Championship. As the 10th seed, he began his campaign by beating Paul Williams before he defeated 7th seed Baxter in the fourth round. He then beat Mark Dudbridge before a whitewash of former world champion Bob Anderson followed later on in the semi-finals. Painter then met top seed Taylor in the final. What followed was the longest televised darts match ever and for a time the most watched PDC darts match (820,000 viewers)[http://www.barb.co.uk/viewingsummary/weekreports.cfm?report=weeklytop30&requesttimeout=500&flag=viewingsummary BARB Viewing Figures] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016045743/http://www.barb.co.uk/viewingsummary/weekreports.cfm?report=weeklytop30&requesttimeout=500&flag=viewingsummary |date=16 October 2007 }} from the Broadcasters' Audience Research Board, retrieved 4 April 2008 until the 2007 final. Despite Painter leading 4–1 at one point, the match went to 6–6 in sets and 5–5 in legs in the final set, so a sudden-death leg was needed to decide a winner. Taylor won it and became the champion, but Painter, who had a three-dart out-shot to win the championship at 2–1 and 3–2 in the final set, while also leaving himself double 16 at 4–3 in the final set without ever getting a dart at it, gained fame for his participation in such an epic final.

The following year was a strong one for Painter where he reached the quarter-finals in the UK Open and the semi-finals in the Las Vegas Desert Classic, his best performance in these tournaments to date. He reached the quarter-finals of the 2005 Las Vegas Desert Classic and the 2005 World Championship despite falling victim to a leg injury which damaged his form and kept him out of many tournaments.

Painter's form dropped substantially in 2006. Despite opening strongly with a victory in the North West UK Open final[http://www.planetdarts.tv/page/UKOpenDetail/0,,10180~765234,00.html PDC website report – Painter Takes North-East Glory] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010215203/http://www.planetdarts.tv/page/UKOpenDetail/0,,10180~765234,00.html |date=10 October 2008 }} from the Professional Darts Corporation, retrieved 3 August 2008 and a second successive appearance in the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Championship, his form began to stagnate around the middle of the year. Painter suffered first or early round defeats in most of the major tournaments and his ranking had dropped to 18 by the beginning of 2007. This was exacerbated by a defeat in the first round of that year's World Championship to his former practice partner Colin Osborne.

The first half of 2007 saw the early round defeats in televised majors continue, though many of them were to Taylor and then-World Champion Raymond van Barneveld. Painter suffered another first round loss in the 2007 World Grand Prix, but this would prove to be the turning point. Sky Sports pundit and friend Rod Harrington warned that Painter could "slip into anonymity" if he did not recover his form. Painter attributed the "perception that he was finished" to a renewed determination and subsequent rise in form.{{cite news |title=Whitewash puts Kevin Painter in the frame but Raymond van Barneveld lurks |author=Jacob, Gary |newspaper=The Times |date=27 December 2007 |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/article3097673.ece |access-date=4 January 2010 }}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

November 2007 saw a strong return to form for Painter, where he reached the quarter-finals of the first Grand Slam of Darts despite being entered as a wild card. The 2008 World Championship proved to be a monumental success for Painter, where he was responsible for knocking out defending champion Raymond van Barneveld in the last 16. Painter was knocked out in the semi-finals by eventual champion Part, his best performance since when he was the runner-up in 2004. Painter considers the win over van Barneveld as the greatest of his career.[https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/dec/29/darts.pdcworldchampionship The Guardian article – Painter rubs out van Barneveld] by Michael Phillips, retrieved 3 August 2008

Painter's results in the televised majors in 2008 were not as might have been expected from the World Championship – he was once again defeated by Osborne in the third round of the UK Open and lost in the first round of the Las Vegas Desert Classic against the eventual champion Taylor. Painter averaged 104 (the third highest average of the tournament) and did not miss a double in the match, but was still defeated 6–4. His poor record at the World Matchplay continued as he suffered a first round loss in the 2008 event to Tony Eccles. He lost in a deciding leg to Colin Lloyd in the second round of the World Grand Prix (having missed three darts to win the match) and finished bottom of his group in the 2008 Grand Slam of Darts. However, his success in non-televised events was considerably better including an appearance in the Bristol Players Championship final – losing 3–2 to Dennis Priestley. This was his first PDC final since September 2006.

Painter entered the 2009 PDC World Championship as the number 17 seed. He defeated Matt Clark in the first round, winning in a sudden-death leg to become the first seeded player to progress to the second round, where he beat Carlos Rodríguez. However, in the third round he lost 4–1 to eventual champion Taylor. In the inaugural Players Championship Finals at the end of January, Painter looked to be heading for another first round exit as he went 5–2 down to Alex Roy, but he won four consecutive legs to progress to the second round, where he met second seed James Wade. This match also went to a deciding leg; Painter missed one dart at the bullseye and Wade took his chance to go through at Painter's expense. However, this performance saw Painter re-establish his place in the top 16 of the rankings, and his good form in floor events from 2008 continued – he reached two semi-finals on the PDC Pro Tour, notably in Gladbeck, Germany, where on 1 March he led Taylor 5–4 before losing 6–5.[http://www.unicorn-darts.com/news/detail.asp?id=733 'Phil Powers to German Double'] by Stuart Pyke, retrieved 1 March 2009

In June 2009, Painter reached the semi-finals of the UK Open, his best ever performance in the tournament. After dispatching Dennis Priestley 9–3 and Alan Tabern 10–8, Painter eventually lost 10–7 to Colin Osborne. His World Matchplay woes continued with a 13–3 defeat to Taylor in the second round of the 2009 event, though he reached the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix and the Grand Slam of Darts, in the latter topping the 'group of death' that included Raymond van Barneveld and John Part. Another third round exit followed in the 2010 World Championship, 4–1 to van Barneveld this time.

Painter's first televised appearance in 2010 was a third round defeat at the UK Open, where he was on the end of a 9–0 whitewash by Taylor, who recorded the current world record average at 118.66. But success was to follow in the 2010 World Matchplay; after making a remarkable comeback to come from 8–2 down in defeating Essex rival Colin Lloyd 11–9 in the first round,{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/WorldMatchplayDetail/0,,10180~2097303,00.html|title=Stan James.com World Matchplay Day Four|access-date=16 August 2010|work=Professional Darts Corporation|quote=Kevin Painter made one of the finest comebacks ever seen to overturn an 8–2 deficit against Colin Lloyd.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723150721/http://www.pdc.tv/page/WorldMatchplayDetail/0,,10180~2097303,00.html|archive-date=23 July 2010}} he overcame Mark Walsh 14–12 to reach the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay at the tenth time of asking.{{cite web |url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/WorldMatchplayDetail/0,,10180~2099641,00.html |title=World Matchplay – Night Six |access-date=16 August 2010 |work=Professional Darts Corporation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725155851/http://www.pdc.tv/page/WorldMatchplayDetail/0,,10180~2099641,00.html |archive-date=25 July 2010 }} Once again however, eternal rival Taylor brought his run to an end in the semi-finals.

Initially Painter suffered an indifferent 2011. At the 2011 PDC World Championship, he was defeated soundly in the first round by Brendan Dolan. At the 2011 World Matchplay, Painter revealed that he had received laser eye surgery before the tournament to improve his game, he also stated that he had hit a nine dart finish after 10 minutes of practise with his improved vision.{{cite web|title=Painter Undergoes Eye Surgery|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2382616,00.html|publisher=PDC|access-date=11 December 2011|date=17 June 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826185149/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2382616,00.html|archive-date=26 August 2011}} However, in the opening night of the tournament, he led reigning world champion Adrian Lewis for most of the match, but missed six doubles that would have won him the match, and subsequently lost by 14 legs to 12.

At the Players Championship Finals in December 2011, Painter beat Colin Osborne, Gary Anderson, Mervyn King, and Scott Rand to reach his first major final since the World Championship in 2004. The victory against Rand saw him recover from 9–6 down in the best-of-19 leg match and survive two match darts in the seventeenth leg. Painter then beat Mark Webster 13–9 in the final to win his first televised major tournament.{{cite web|title=Painter's Masterpiece|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2544836,00.html|publisher=PDC|access-date=11 December 2011|date=11 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107151029/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2544836,00.html|archive-date=7 January 2012}} This victory returned him to the top 10 in the PDC Order of Merit for the first time since 2006. At the 2012 PDC World Championship, Painter defeated Arron Monk and Mark Walsh before losing once again to John Part by four sets to two.{{cite web|title=2012 World Championship Netzone|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/WorldChampsDetail/0,,10180~2547778,00.html|publisher=PDC|access-date=29 December 2011|date=15 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108000317/http://www.pdc.tv/page/WorldChampsDetail/0,,10180~2547778,00.html|archive-date=8 January 2012}}

Painter's Players Championship victory saw him gain a PDC wildcard into the Premier League Darts for the first time.{{cite web|title=Hamilton & Painter's Premier Delight|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2565358,00.html|publisher=PDC|access-date=3 January 2012|date=3 January 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108181725/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2565358,00.html|archive-date=8 January 2012}} He won his first game with an 8–6 win over Gary Anderson, despite averaging 82.67.{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2605896,00.html | title=McCoy's Premier League Darts – Night One Round-Up | publisher=PDC | date=10 February 2012 | access-date=16 May 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212021301/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2605896,00.html | archive-date=12 February 2012 }} Painter also had wins over Simon Whitlock, Andy Hamilton, and Adrian Lewis, but finished 7th in the 8 man league.{{cite web | url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/EventResults.aspx?EventKey=3889 | title=2012 Premier League Results | publisher=Darts Database | access-date=16 May 2012}} At the World Matchplay, Painter suffered a 6–10 defeat to Steve Beaton in the first round.{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2856601,00.html | title=Betfair World Matchplay – Night Two | publisher=PDC | access-date=22 July 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724182559/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2856601,00.html | archive-date=24 July 2012 }} In October, Painter defeated Kim Huybrechts 2–0 in sets in the first round of the World Grand Prix without his opponent picking up a single leg,{{cite web|title=PartyPoker.com WGP – Monday|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2943517,00.html|publisher=PDC|access-date=9 October 2012|date=8 October 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010091433/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2943517,00.html|archive-date=10 October 2012}} but then lost to Justin Pipe 2–3 in the last 16.{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2944670,00.html | title=PartyPoker.com WGP – Wednesday | publisher=PDC | access-date=11 October 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012011815/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2944670,00.html | archive-date=12 October 2012 }} Painter won two of his three Group C games at the Grand Slam of Darts to finish second in the table and qualify for the knockout stage, where he faced Mervyn King.{{cite web | url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/EventResults.aspx?EventKey=3892 | title=2012 Grand Slam Of Darts Results | publisher=Darts Database | access-date=18 November 2012}} From 2–2, Painter surged away by taking five straight legs and closed out the match 10–5,{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/km86nk6h1n4q1p2amtykob49a/title/william-hill-grand-slam---thursday | title=William Hill Grand Slam – Thursday | publisher=PDC | access-date=18 November 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117234739/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/km86nk6h1n4q1p2amtykob49a/title/william-hill-grand-slam---thursday | archive-date=17 November 2012 }} but then missed 30 of his 42 attempts at a double in the quarter-finals against Dean Winstanley as he lost 12–16.{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/batnbief68kr102s62b5d7a0u/title/william-hill-grand-slam-quarter-finals | title=William Hill Grand Slam Quarter-Finals | publisher=PDC | access-date=17 November 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119223003/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/batnbief68kr102s62b5d7a0u/title/william-hill-grand-slam-quarter-finals | archive-date=19 November 2012 }} Painter finished 30th on the ProTour Order of Merit, just inside the top 32 who qualified for the Players Championship Finals.{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1jjo6dk429szw19meecaul7ax7/title/minehead-qualifiers-confirmed | title=Minehead Qualifiers Confirmed | publisher=PDC | access-date=25 November 2012}} He began the defence of his 2011 title with a first round meeting against Michael van Gerwen, who had won eight tournaments this year, and lost 3–6.{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/hqozvib8gj931wt4jeepird19/title/cash-converters-pcf-day-one | title=Cash Converters PCF Day One | publisher=PDC | access-date=30 November 2012 | archive-date=27 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127092342/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/hqozvib8gj931wt4jeepird19/title/cash-converters-pcf-day-one | url-status=dead }}

At the 2013 World Championship, Painter lost in the last 16 to Adrian Lewis 4–2.{{cite web | url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/EventResults.aspx?EventKey=3831 | title=2013 PDC World Championship Results | publisher=Darts Database | access-date=6 January 2013 | archive-date=27 September 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927210536/http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/EventResults.aspx?EventKey=3831 | url-status=dead }} He produced a superb fightback from 7–3 down in the fourth round of the UK Open to beat Gary Anderson 9–7.{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/8trjteml887116qeesifxbhhf/title/speedy-services-uk-open---fourth-round | title=Speedy Services UK Open – Fourth Round | publisher=PDC | access-date=9 June 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610212746/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/8trjteml887116qeesifxbhhf/title/speedy-services-uk-open---fourth-round | archive-date=10 June 2013 }} At 5–0 down to Adrian Lewis in the next round, Painter threatened another amazing comeback as at one point he trailed only 4–6, but he would ultimately lose 9–4.{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/ftno276ijvq91qhr65yiuon6z/title/speedy-services-uk-open---fifth-round | title=Speedy Services UK Open – Fifth Round | publisher=PDC | access-date=9 June 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610212751/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/ftno276ijvq91qhr65yiuon6z/title/speedy-services-uk-open---fifth-round | archive-date=10 June 2013 }} He was knocked out in the second round of the European Championship, World Matchplay and World Grand Prix.{{cite web|title=Kevin Painter 2013 |url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/PlayerDetails.aspx?playerKey=18 |work=Darts Database |access-date=28 November 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131128163123/http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/PlayerDetails.aspx?playerKey=18 |archive-date=28 November 2013 |url-status=dead }}

In October, Painter made it through to his first PDC ranking final since his major success almost two years ago at the 12th Players Championship of the season. From the last 16 onwards he defeated Robert Thornton, Wes Newton and Michael Smith, but was whitewashed 6–0 by Kim Huybrechts in the final.{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1u33dz0sk22k81huokdbof36lc/title/huybrechts-storms-to-killarney-win | title=Huybrechts Storms To Killarney Win | publisher=PDC | access-date=20 October 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021001024/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1u33dz0sk22k81huokdbof36lc/title/huybrechts-storms-to-killarney-win | archive-date=21 October 2013 }}

Painter advanced to the third round of the 2014 World Championship without dropping a set but then hit just 19% of his doubles against Simon Whitlock to lose 4–0.{{cite web|title=Ladbrokes World Championship Day 12|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/6tfre9r8ab3l1odxteilm002s/title/ladbrokes-world-championship-day-12|publisher=PDC|date=27 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228034112/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/6tfre9r8ab3l1odxteilm002s/title/ladbrokes-world-championship-day-12|archive-date=28 December 2013}}

At the UK Open he enjoyed comfortable wins over Richie Burnett, Andrew Gilding and Dean Winstanley and led Mervyn King 2–0 in the early stages of their quarter-final, before his form dropped to lose 10–6.{{cite web | url=http://dartsdatabase.co.uk/FixtureList.aspx?EventKey=5384 | title=2014 UK Open Results | publisher=Darts Database | access-date=10 March 2014}}{{cite web|title=Coral UK Open Quarter-Finals|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1mu6b7lcf2xu71woqkl6irgzrb/title/coral-uk-open-quarter-finals|publisher=PDC|date=9 March 2014|access-date=10 March 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309202819/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1mu6b7lcf2xu71woqkl6irgzrb/title/coral-uk-open-quarter-finals|archive-date=9 March 2014}} His second major quarter-final of the year came at the World Grand Prix which he reached by coming back from 2–0 down in sets against Adrian Lewis to win 3–2.{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1t8c4cy93qmd61bxjogrpz10sr/title/partypokercom-wgp-day-three | title=partypoker.com WGP Day Three| publisher=PDC| access-date=8 October 2014}} He again fell 2–0 down this time against Gary Anderson, but rallied to pull a setback and then took out a 152 finish with Anderson waiting on 36 for the match to draw level at 2–2. However, Painter would lose the deciding set to fall short of reaching his first semi-final in the event, this being his fifth last eight defeat.{{cite web| url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/116xeg9wqboet1uiwxtvguiell/title/partypokercom-wgp-quarter-finals| title=partypoker.com WGP Quarter-Finals| publisher=PDC| access-date=10 October 2014| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012120541/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/116xeg9wqboet1uiwxtvguiell/title/partypokercom-wgp-quarter-finals| archive-date=12 October 2014}}

Painter built a 3–1 set advantage over Spanish qualifier Cristo Reyes in the second round of the 2015 World Championship, but lost three sets in a row without getting a match dart to be eliminated 4–3.{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/13h25yesgfcbc1tuik0p89mfsy/title/william-hill-world-championship-day-eight | title=William Hill World Championship Day Eight | publisher=PDC | access-date=28 December 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229004820/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/13h25yesgfcbc1tuik0p89mfsy/title/william-hill-world-championship-day-eight | archive-date=29 December 2014 }} He suffered a 9–0 whitewash to Andrew Gilding in the third round of the UK Open.{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1truam070qc5b1t604kkuc5p52/title/coral-uk-open-third-round | title=Coral UK Open Third Round | publisher=PDC | access-date=7 March 2015}} Painter missed out on playing in the World Matchplay this year since he switched to the PDC in 2001.{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1tvp38siqqtbsz8ygc72v0a2j/title/huge-weekend-for-blackpool-hopefuls | title=Huge Weekend For Blackpool Hopefuls | publisher=PDC | access-date=11 July 2015 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706004050/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1tvp38siqqtbsz8ygc72v0a2j/title/huge-weekend-for-blackpool-hopefuls | archive-date=6 July 2015 }} He failed to qualify for the rest of the majors on the PDC calendar in 2015, but remained in the top 32 on the Order of Merit to play in the 2016 World Championship.{{cite web | url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/QualifyingList.aspx?EventKey=6236 | title=2016 PDC World Championship Qualifiers | publisher=Darts Database | access-date=5 December 2015 | archive-date=28 December 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228233838/http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/QualifyingList.aspx?EventKey=6236 | url-status=dead }}

In the second round of the 2016 World Championship, Painter missed four darts to lead Phil Taylor 2–1 and went on to be defeated 4–1.{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1cn65dc5zid2y1mw89l0sp4gt6/title/william-hill-world-championship-day-ten | title=William Hill World Championship Day Ten | publisher=PDC | access-date=29 December 2015}}

2016 proved to be the first year since Painter's switch to the PDC that he did not reach the quarter-finals of any event.{{cite web|title=Kevin Painter 2016 |url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/PlayerDetails.aspx?PlayerKey=18 |publisher=Darts Database |access-date=23 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123185828/http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/PlayerDetails.aspx?PlayerKey=18 |archive-date=23 November 2016 |url-status=dead }} Painter dropped out of the top 32 in the world rankings during the year and qualified for two other major events, the UK Open (lost 6–4 to Dean Winstanley in the second round) and the Players Championship Finals (lost 6–4 to Dave Chisnall in the first round).{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/156a9o4plva5l19rlctaxp6gwn/title/2016-coral-uk-open-day-one | title=2016 Coral UK Open Day One | publisher=PDC | access-date=23 November 2016}}

Painter qualified for the 2017 World Championship through the Pro Tour Order of Merit when Kyle Anderson was forced to withdraw from the event due to being unable to get a UK Visa. He won the last six legs of his first round encounter with Jamie Caven to defeat him 3–1.{{cite web| url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1x84xhto6952x18k5dceth8285/title/william-hill-world-championship-day-one| title=William Hill World Championship Day One| publisher=PDC| access-date=16 December 2016| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216213741/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1x84xhto6952x18k5dceth8285/title/william-hill-world-championship-day-one| archive-date=16 December 2016}} He missed a number of doubles in his second round match with Phil Taylor, including three to win the third set, and was defeated 4–0.{{cite web| url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/4ud52hw4o2a21nktfqmh5pp4x/title/william-hill-world-championship-day-ten| title=William Hill World Championship Day Ten| publisher=PDC| access-date=27 December 2016| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229031555/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/4ud52hw4o2a21nktfqmh5pp4x/title/william-hill-world-championship-day-ten| archive-date=29 December 2016}}

Painter qualified via the Pro Tour Order of Merit for the 2018 World Championship, but lost in the first round to Mensur Suljović 3–0.

In 2018 he did not earn enough money to qualify for another major tournament. Since he lost his tour card in 2019 he is playing on the Challenge Tour.

After failing to regain his tour card in 2021 Q School, Kevin publicly announced his retirement from professional darts after his 25-year career.{{cite web |last1=Shaw |first1=Jamie |title=Kevin Painter announces his retirement from professional darts |url=https://www.live-darts.com/pdc-darts-news/kevin-painter-announces-retirement/ |publisher=Live Darts |access-date=18 February 2021}}

Painter lives in Rugby, Warwickshire. He previously lived with his long-term partner, Janine Gough, and their daughter, Madison Elise Painter (born 2005), until his separation from Gough in 2016.[http://www.pressreader.com/uk/daily-mirror/20161216/282840780689763 Painter: Not a glossy win], retrieved 16 December 2016 Gough is herself a former darts player from Swansea, and she won the Girls' World Masters in 1999 and 2000.[http://kevinpainter180.co.uk/about-the-artist/ Kevin Painter FAQ], retrieved 5 December 2016 Kevin Painter was a builder before turning professional.[http://www.unicorn-darts.com/News/BigInterview-KevinPainter.asp Interview with Kevin Painter], from Unicorn Darts, retrieved 4 April 2008 He spends his training sessions with Matthew Edgar, a PDC darts player.{{cite web |url= http://www.idaventry.com/news/local-news/daventrys-matthew-edgar-to-compete-in-uk-national-darts-championship |title= Daventry's Matthew Edgar to compete in UK national darts championship |access-date= 2011-06-14 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110630130842/http://www.idaventry.com/news/local-news/daventrys-matthew-edgar-to-compete-in-uk-national-darts-championship/ |archive-date= 30 June 2011 }} He is also a season ticket and share holder of Ipswich Town. He often plays wearing a blue shirt in reference to his favourite team.

In 2012, Painter, together with the seven other players who competed in the Premier League recorded a charity single with Chas Hodges and his band called 'Got My Tickets for the Darts' which was written by Chas. It was released on 18 May, the night after the play-offs at the O2 in London, where it was premiered. Proceeds from the single will be donated to the Haven House Children's Hospice.{{cite web | url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2641173,00.html | title=Chas & Stars Record Charity Single | publisher=Planet Darts | date=8 March 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413082244/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2641173,00.html | archive-date=13 April 2012 }}

Painter has also been featured in numerous darts videogames, including PDC World Championship Darts 2008, 2009 and PDC World Championship Darts Pro Tour.

Painter is probably also famous for a notorious rivalry with Taylor, perhaps stemming from his shock victory over Taylor in the 2001 World Grand Prix, and loss in the 2004 World Championship final. He has had many run-ins with Taylor. In the 2005 World Championship quarter-final against Taylor, Painter often tried to check out by hitting the bullseye, but failed many times. Taylor won the last leg of the match by deliberately leaving 50, then checking out on the bull, which Painter took as a taunt and argued viciously with Taylor for a few minutes after the match.

In April 2008, Painter was involved in another incident at the Holland Masters, a non-televised tournament. In a quarter-final match with Taylor's protégé, Adrian Lewis, an argument between the two took place in the deciding set. They were both disqualified from the tournament.[http://www.planetdarts.tv/page/LatestDetail/0,,10180~1298656,00.html PDC website report – Holland Masters] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503072410/http://www.planetdarts.tv/page/LatestDetail/0,,10180~1298656,00.html |date=3 May 2008 }}, from the Professional Darts Corporation, retrieved 26 April 2008 In July, the Darts Regulation Authority decided upon an appropriate punishment; Painter was fined £200 and banned for three months with two months suspended while Lewis was fined £400 with a six-month ban, four months suspended.[http://www.planetdarts.tv/page/LatestDetail/0,,10180~1344699,00.html PDC website report – Duo Receive Bans] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080721015401/http://www.planetdarts.tv/page/LatestDetail/0,,10180~1344699,00.html |date=21 July 2008 }} from the Professional Darts Corporation, retrieved 16 July 2008[http://www.thedra.compsyswebdesign.com/charges.htm DRA Disciplinary Committee Hearing, Tuesday 15 July 2008 report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315000944/http://www.thedra.compsyswebdesign.com/charges.htm |date=15 March 2008 }} from the Darts Regulation Authority, retrieved 16 July 2008

• 1994: First round (lost to Kevin Kenny 2–3)
• 1995: Second round (lost to Martin Adams 0–3)
• 1996: First round (lost to Ronnie Baxter 2–3)
• 1998: Second round (lost to Richie Burnett 1–3)
• 1999: Second round (lost to Ronnie Baxter 0–3)
• 2000: Quarter-finals (lost to Ted Hankey 2–5)
• 2001: Quarter-finals (lost to Andy Fordham 2–5)

{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|

• 2002: First round (lost to Ronnie Baxter 2–4)
• 2003: Semi-finals (lost to John Part 4–6)
• 2004: Runner-up (lost to Phil Taylor 6–7)
• 2005: Quarter-finals (lost to Phil Taylor 1–5)
• 2006: Quarter-finals (lost to Phil Taylor 1–5)
• 2007: First round (lost to Colin Osborne 1–3)
• 2008: Semi-finals (lost to John Part 2–6)
• 2009: Third round (lost to Phil Taylor 1–4)
• 2010: Third round (lost to Raymond van Barneveld 1–4)
• 2011: First round (lost to Brendan Dolan 0–3)
• 2012: Third round (lost to John Part 2–4)
• 2013: Third round (lost to Adrian Lewis 2–4)
• 2014: Third round (lost to Simon Whitlock 0–4)
• 2015: Second round (lost to Cristo Reyes 3–4)
• 2016: Second round (lost to Phil Taylor 1–4)
• 2017: Second round (lost to Phil Taylor 0–4)
• 2018: First round (lost to Mensur Suljović 0–3)

}}

• 2022: Semi-finals (lost to Robert Thornton 2–4)
• 2023: Semi-finals (lost to Robert Thornton 0–3)

{{reflist|group=N}}

{{TournLegend|RU=F|LR3=Prel.}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20180324102533/http://kevinpainter180.co.uk/ Kevin Painter's Official Site]
• {{DartsOrakel|Kevin Painter}}
• {{Dartsdatabase|id=18}}

{{PDC Roll of Honour}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Painter, Kevin}}

Category:1967 births

Category:Living people

Category:English darts players

Category:Professional Darts Corporation former tour card holders

Category:Sportspeople from Billericay

Category:Sportspeople from Daventry

Category:British Darts Organisation players

Category:Sportspeople from Rugby, Warwickshire

Category:Players Championship Finals champions

Category:Darts players with dartitis