During the Players Championship One in Hildesheim, a significant refereeing error occurred during a match between William O'Connor and Mario Vandenbogaerde. The incident shocked commentators, who reported having never witnessed such a mistake before. After Vandenbogaerde equalized the score, he was supposed to throw first in the third leg, but O'Connor mistakenly took his throw instead, leading to confusion on the oche.

The referee realized the error after both players had thrown three darts each before halting play. He then explained the situation to Vandenbogaerde, who received the news with understanding. O'Connor also acknowledged the mistake, offering an apology for the oversight. The decision to replay the leg highlighted the importance of accurate officiating in darts, especially during high-stakes matches where every throw counts significantly toward the final outcome.

This incident raises questions about the pressures referees face in ensuring fair play and the potential consequences of mistakes. It demonstrates that while darts is a game of precision and skill, even the officiating can face challenges that necessitate quick corrections to maintain integrity in the sport. The story resonates with fans as it highlights the human aspect of sports, reminding everyone that errors can happen at any level, even in professional environments.