Darts referee hits a triple 20 with a cup of tea in hand: video.

Richard Ashdown impresses with a double challenge

According to The Sun: Darts referee Richard Ashdown was deemed a "national treasure" after casually taking on a challenge thrown by Luke Humphries.

Ashdown, 46, was sipping tea when Humphries, Chris Dobey, and Damon Heta were preparing for the final session of the New Zealand Darts Masters when the world number one challenged him.

Luke Humphries challenged referee Richard Ashdown to hit a double 20 during practice at the New Zealand Darts Masters

Ashdown stepped up to the oche with a jacket over his arm and a cup of tea in hand

He sensationally hit the double 20 with his first throw

Ashdown casually walked away with a smile on his face while Humphries and Damon Heta looked on in amazement

As the referee observed their practice, Humphries offered him the chance to throw three darts to try and hit the double 20.

Ashdown confidently told Humphries that he could do it in one throw as he strutted to the line with a jacket over his arm and a cup of tea in hand.

Without putting down his cup of tea, the Bedfordshire referee stunned everyone by hitting the double 20 with his first attempt — provoking a fantastic reaction from Humphries, Dobey, and Heta.

Perhaps even more remarkable was Ashdown's own reaction as he reluctantly walked away with a cheeky smile on his face.

Ashdown uploaded a video of this incredible moment to his X account where his followers were delighted by his casual brilliance.

One wrote: "Dart, cup, legend. You are a national treasure."

Another added: "This is just brilliant."

A third wrote: "Iconic."

Luke Humphries described the moment as: "One of the coolest things I've ever seen."

And Damon Heta jokingly replied: "No one likes show-offs."

Luke Littler wins the New Zealand Darts Masters

Ashdown returned to his refereeing duties after his sensational moment in the spotlight while Luke Littler clinched the New Zealand Darts Masters crown with an 8-4 victory in the final against Humphries.

This was Littler's third win in a month, earning him another £30,000 in prize money following victories in the World Darts Championship and the Australian Masters.