'We're goosed and it's soul destroying' – Inside the life of a darts star at the top level
William O’Connor reckons darts’ non-elite are 'goosed' – and it's a 'soul destroying' world at the top level. But the Irish star is adamant he will overcome obstacles and make 2025 his year.
O’Connor believes PDC alterations in the set-up for the European events to seed Main Order of Merit stars into second rounds is a hammer blow to the outsiders. He said: “We’re goosed. The European tour is such a huge part of the pro tour. Is it eight qualifying now for the pro tours? We haven’t a chance. How do you break into the top 32? How do you break into anything?
“Whatever opportunity you have, they’re pulling it out from under you. It makes it so difficult. Even if you qualify for one or two of those now in a year, it’s going to be huge. You can’t catch the big boys. They are where they are and they’re going to stay there.”
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O’Connor is willing to fight his corner and proved his class by stunning Rob Cross at the Masters to move into the last 16. He continued: “I promised myself this is going to be the year. So, whether I’ve got a bit of luck or got a bit of someone looking down on me, but I mean it. Hopefully this is the year for me.
“You get out of darts what you put in. You don’t put in the time and effort, you get what you deserve. I got what I deserved and that’s it. So, this year is a difference and you have to put in the time and if you don’t, you’re going to get pushed out for these new up-and-comers.
“It’s relentless. It’s so difficult. The tour is soul destroying. You go and play at the best darts of your life and still go home and put no money in the bank. The tour is so hard because it’s the best players in the world. It’s not the best players in Ireland or England or Germany. It’s the best players in the world and that’s what you’re against every week.
“I want to win a Players’ Championship. That’s what my sights are set on. That’s just the plan. Change of mindset and dedication. A little bit of ease at home and stuff. That’s it.”
