ITV were forced to issue an apology after the lights went out during the Bahrain Darts Masters during Gian van Veen’s clash with Danny Noppert. The fifth leg of the quarter-final clash was brought to an abrupt end after Van Veen had thrown his first three darts.

The runner-up from the World Championship boasted a 3-1 lead when play was paused. A statement from the PDC’s official X account said: “A break in play here after an electrical issue in the venue….We will be back shortly.”

A ticker along the bottom of television coverage from ITV read: “We apologise for the technical issues. The darts will recommence shortly.”

Spectators at the arena saw the funny side and quickly turned on their mobile phone torches in an attempt to light up the darkened arena. The broadcasting team responded by showing highlights from the previous year’s competition while they waited for the technical issue to be fixed.

Following the restoration of power, both competitors were granted time to practise on stage once more before continuing from the fifth leg of their encounter. It was Van Veen who secured that leg after Noppert squandered his initial opportunity at a checkout.

The World Championship finalist maintained his momentum, claiming the following two legs to secure his spot in the day’s semi-final. The Dutch thrower will face Nathan Aspinall in the last four, while his fellow countryman Michael van Gerwen is set to meet Gerwyn Price.

Electrician-turned-darts professional Rob Cross made light of the circumstances on social media, posting: “I’m available if you need me @OfficialPDC”.

Earlier in the day, Luke Littler had been eliminated from the tournament by Welsh opponent Price. The Nuke’s impressive three-month televised winning run came to an end as he fell 6-2 to the Iceman.

The reigning world champion sturggled with his throw and changed darts during the tie.