I have a confession to make; for the first time since I started sharing my thoughts (Wizdom?) with Darts World readers, I have to own up that I was not looking forward to this column.
How quickly things change, and suddenly I can’t wait to share some upbeat events.
After the most recent lockdown started I concentrated on Q School preparation and, much like most I suspect, on making sure we all stayed safe and well. I practiced hard and was playing very well going into the two-stage event. It’s safe to say it did not go as well or as successfully as I hoped or wanted.
The frustration of working so hard to rebuild my game and become competitive again, only to be denied the one ingredient that I have been missing, is very difficult to put into words. Three times over the past couple of years my form has been strong and I have begun to gain momentum via open events, singles leagues etc. Each time an unexpected event or circumstance brought this momentum to a screeching halt.
Out of the blue, that old phrase about “one door closing and another opening” finally applied to me. George Noble got in touch and asked if I might be interested in playing in the Modus Live League.
I should own up here, I’ve had a sneaky feeling since last year that this type of darts would suit me very well. I had taken part in the PDC’s first streaming event, from its first staging, and won the ‘Championship of Darts’ trophy. In addition, the playing zone at the event looked much like my training area for the last four years!
A professionally organised event, with good quality players and in a league format was just what was needed. Despite taking a day or two to settle, I knew every match was doing me good, and I was feeling better and better as the week went on. I had been picking up wins, and being a little unlucky in some losses, and knew there was much more to come.
Thursday and Friday were really enjoyable days, with 9 wins from 10 matches against players who had been winning with ease up to that point. I could feel my matchplay skills returning and my quicker and more instinctive game, that I have worked so hard to develop, was beginning to come through.
The weekend finals were slightly disappointing with defeats to James Richardson and the in-form Mike Warburton meaning that I had to settle for third place. Yet it is impossible to be too disappointed; the whole experience was positive with the huge bonus of regaining some enjoyment in darts and that winning feeling.
Rest assured that I will be looking out for more such opportunities and look forward to sharing them with you all. #UTB
——
Well looks like I was correct about the opportunities! Since writing my thoughts for Darts World’s spring edition ( 574) I have enjoyed another few days at the Online Darts live league and again gained a great deal. Another final was reached and I managed to record a couple of 100+ averages and hit the gas at times. The opportunities are beginning to show themselves with MAD championships, PDC Challenge Tour, and more live league to come after the current rest period.
On a professional note, I am delighted to have accepted an offer to be sponsored and supported by MODUS sport. It’s fantastic to be recognised for the hard work I have put in and to add an outfit as experienced as MODUS to my team is a tremendous boost to the old confidence. It will now be up to me to get out there, enjoy my darts, and get stuck in.
I shall have more Wizard’s Wizdom for you in the summer edition. Until then take care
#UTB
—–ENDS—–
Colin Osborne won the PDC’s ‘Championship of Darts’ in 2009, is a former UK Open Finalist and multi-event winner on the Pro Tour. (@colozzy180)
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