Referee Owen Binks bid an emotional farewell to the MODUS Super Series Live Lounge on Tuesday afternoon, officiating his final match before moving to the PDC. The 27-year-old, who refereed more than 6,000 matches in the series, struggled to contain his emotions as his long stint came to an end. The match between Justin Smith and Rob Thornton ended with a 4-1 victory for Smith, but the result was overshadowed by Binks' poignant departure.
As the match concluded, player Justin Smith consoled Binks, placing a hand on his shoulder in a show of support. Binks responded with a slight smile and shook his hand. Rob Thornton also approached him afterward, shaking his hand and embracing him in a fitting final moment for the familiar official. Footage shared by the organization on social media captured the visibly moved referee during the closing stages, highlighting how much the moment weighed on him as he realized his time in the Live Lounge had definitively ended.
The MODUS Super Series paid extensive tribute to Binks earlier in the day, publicly wishing him success in the next stage of his career and expressing appreciation for his dedication and professionalism. A video montage highlighted his time in the Live Lounge, praising him as a trusted and much-loved official and underscoring how much he meant to players, colleagues, and the organization.
Binks won't have to wait long for his next challenge. His debut as a PDC referee is already scheduled for this weekend at the European Tour in Poland, meaning he immediately steps up to the highest level of the sport. He will succeed the departing George Noble, who retired after the World Darts Championship. Binks had previously said the move still feels unreal, marking the start of a new chapter on the biggest stages in professional darts after thousands of matches in the Live Lounge.
