Gurney hungry after heartbreak

By Phil Lanning

 

DARYL GURNEY admits he’s “hungry” to make up for the heartbreak of the World Matchplay a year ago.

The World No.6 has been off the radar since lockdown having decided to participate in the PDC Home Tour due to poor broadband issues.

He also cited problems because his practice board at home is on the back of the toilet door which would create an issue if someone in the family needed the loo when he was playing!

But Superchin, 34, revealed he is aiming to recover from the semi-final disaster when he blew a seven-leg lead to eventual champion Rob Cross.

He said: "To be honest, I enjoyed the time not playing to spend more time with my son after the three and a half years of non-stop playing.

“I didn't touch a dart for 12 weeks. I've just started playing again.”

The Matchplay will be the first big TV tournament for darts since the coronavirus crisis from July 18-25 at a temporary venue of Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes.

The Northern Irishman has a curious record after winning majors World Grand Prix and Players Championship but not going beyond the quarters of the World Championships.

Gurney admits: “I’m very hungry especially after what happened last year. To be honest, I would swap everything I’ve won to be called World Champion. I yearn for it more than any other title.”

Picture by Taylor Lanning