PDC Europe referee Franz Engerer has revealed that his distinctive 180 call was refined thanks to direct criticism from world champion Michael Smith. In an interview with Tungsten Tales, Engerer recounted how Smith told him, "Good start, but the end is rubbish." The German official laughed off the comment but took it on board, changing the ending to create his current, more melodic and pronounced call. "I think it's much better now," Engerer said.
Engerer's path to the European Tour began three or four years ago when he won a casting organized by PDC Europe and Sport1, a German sports channel. The task involved submitting a video of himself calling a 180 and other scores like 140 and 60. He was one of three selected from all entries, leading to gala events in Germany and eventually a role on the European Tour. Remarkably, Engerer had little prior officiating experience, having been more of a player who averaged between 40 and 50, but his love for darts and strong mental arithmetic helped him adapt.
Not every player is a fan of Engerer's call. Nathan Aspinall once admitted he wasn't a big fan, which Engerer initially found "a bit weird" but now shrugs off, noting they get along well. "I think he's the only player who's said that about my 180 call. I won't change it anymore. He has to live with it," Engerer stated, adding that he has some haters but believes the call suits him.
Looking ahead, Engerer dreams of refereeing at major televised tournaments, with the European Championship in Dortmund as a logical first target and the World Championship as a long-term goal. However, he clarified that his work with PDC Europe is separate from the PDC UK circuit, and he knew months ago that Owen would replace the retiring George Noble. Alongside darts, Engerer is studying economics in Germany, which he jokes doesn't help with on-stage arithmetic, but he is unequivocal about his future: "Yes, for sure. I want to do this for my life."
