On to Australia
Thorn writes "THORN: G'day mate! Who might you be?
WARREN: Warren Ackary-Most know me world wide as "Wazza180"
T: Cranky, that's a good SEWA name! Where exactly are we? I flew into Sydney, headed toward Wollongong, and now where am?
W: Corrimal, New South Wales. Australia
T: Well it certainly looks like a great place! Beaches, boats, waterfront, and the temperatures seem really comfortable-I always thought Australia was hotter. How did you end up finding this little piece of paradise?
W: Well it's a long story. I met my wife on the Internet and she lived about 800 miles away from me and when I went to meet her we were as one. Things got tough where she lived so when I said, "we'll move" she said yes, down south near my parents. and here we are!
T: (holding pen, looking stupefied) That's your "long story"!?! I think you meant to say, "it's a nice story". Coloring books have longer stories than that! Do you know Art in Nova Scotia? You guys could write a book together-just rip out the matches first! Ok, anyway, that sounds lovely-lots of that internet thing happening these days, isn't there? Amazing. So, that's great, new love, family nearby, sounds idyllic. What do you do for work?
W: Unfortunately, not much. I do however build all sorts of Websites as a hobby--money helps as well.
T: Sounds like a good gig to me. So, so far, the internet has given you love and a livelihood. What else is there? And what's so special about you and our favorite game? Tell me about darts.
W: I like to promote the game as much as I can. Either via SEWA, my own darts forum and websites, as well as with all tournaments I play in. Why,
I even go to "LOD's" and preach the gospel of darts to newbies to the game! The "special" side of myself is that I am handicapped. I used to be a
sufferer of Epilepsy but am over that for the past 11 years, but I lost my right index finger when I was 6 in an accident. 
The surgeons
transplanted the top half of my middle finger onto my index finger. It has been a rough 42 years with that handicap, but, at the same time,
it has taught me that "handicap is not a hindrance" for me. I do calligraphy, throw darts, play English Billiards, and write for Unicorn uniBlog
as well. Unfortunately, time has caught up with my hand, and I have been going to a hand clinic to see about getting rid of the constant pain
and--with the new technology (after 42 years)--what they can do to give me more movement and feeling in my finger and part of my hand.
T: (fake snoring, peeking out one eye) Huh? What? Oh, I must have fallen asleep-that story was waaaaaay longer than the first long story! No, seriously, that's awesome Warren-I'm impressed, jealous, and amazed. First, anyone that pushes the game is a pal of mine. Second, running websites and writing for Unicorn-I'm envious.(whispering) they need any more writers? Third, battling a debilitating condition all your life and then doing so many dexterity-demanding activities, especially with a transplanted finger tip! I hope those modern methods can decrease your discomfort. How long have you been contributing to SEWA?
W: Since 20th June, 2006.
T: Wow! I joined the same month! Well, how good are you?
W: My skills are mid-range as I let my darting career go too late and have just picked up playing the game real hard over the past 10 years, and I am graded A in my State.
T: Let's hear some claims to fame-got any favorite memories or big accomplishments you'd care to share?
W: My best memories in darts is making friends, you can win all the tournaments you like but you have to earn the respect to make friends in darts. My biggest accomplishment in darts (so far) is reaching the top 32 in 2005 in the Oceanic Masters, to have won it would have meant I would have been on the stage at Purfleet but Russell Stewart stopped me in my tracks (his day will come).
T: (wiping pretend sweat from brow) Whew! I thought I was going to have to tease you some more for being so thoughtful and sensitive! Thank goodness you got back on the bragging track-and Bam!-you followed it up with a revenge fueled threat! No, I think the friendships are a big part of it too.and almost beating Bob Anderson after just missing the DB on a 161 out attempt! (shaking fist) I'll get you some day Bob! I will avenge. uhhh, me!!! Ok, I feel better now. So, what about the big picture? Looking back on life, what makes you say "Bullseye!" inside?
W: I think the best memories of my life are, of course, my family and lovely wife. My biggest accomplishment has been to overcome the handicap I have carried all my life with my hand and to be the player I am today!
T: You had me going there again, Warren.all that standard sappy stuff--although completely true, I'm sure-but then you pulled it out again with some solid smack talk! (jogging, arms raised like Rocky) I am Warren, hear me roar! I love it Wazza180. Ok, so, the point of these interviews is darts around the world. What's the sport like here?
W: It is great, although it's similar to the UK where the BDO is opposing the PDC; we have our own versions here. Having said that, once the players get together and play, then all of that is forgotten. We have Grand Prix's every month and the winner gets a wildcard to Ally Pally as does the winner of the Oceanic. Also, we have tournaments running ALL over Australia, and for those you have to make big sacrifices with money and family, at the end of the day, it is worth it.
T: Nice! Sounds like a competitive place to play, and, obviously, a big British influence, right? Ok, Warren, let me put you on the spot. You're a writer, right? How about you make up five questions you would like to ask yourself for this interview, then answer them too? Ready? Go!
W: One, if I had a player to play my darts for me, who would it be? Simon "The Wizard" Whitlock.
Two, if I had a choice of sponsors in Darts who
would it be? Unicorn... simply the best!
Three, if I had a wish to make a change in my life and only ONE change, what would it be? Having a
completely normal right hand to do everyday things.
Four, would I relocate and, if so, where? To the UK, my wife is English, and the UK is the
home of Darts and Billiards (just the coldness is a problem).
Five, do I consider myself rich? Yes, I have a lovely wife and a great outlook on
life and to me that is worth a heck of a lot more than money!
T: (disgusted, throwing pencil) You just had to go back to the mushy stuff didn't you?!? You were doing so well! Well, I forgive you-Thorn's got a sentimental side to him too-but don't tell anyone! Promise? How about a high five with that amazingly talented right hand of yours! Thanks a lot for sharing your time and stories Warren.
W: Well I don't know about a "high five" as you call it.. I wouldn't want to get a "Thorn" in my side! (laughing) All jokes aside mate, I'll settle to give you a high four and a half! Also, I hope that for all who read this don't think now we have a Kangaroo in every backyard--well not every back yard anyway! It has been a pleasure taking the time to do this interview and I would do it again as its been my pleasure.
THORN: It's mutual Warren. Keep doing what you're doing, and thanks for inviting me over.
Warrens site you can find here:
Wazza's World of Darts