Nick Fullwell managed to put worries about a recent house break-in and some health concerns behind him as he ended Rory Hansen’s World Championship campaign with a 3-0 victory. The Stourbridge man has been on a darting journey over the last few years and the result has been a constant if steady, improvement.
Fullwell sprinted out of the starting blocks, producing big finishes of 112 and 118, and won the first two sets for the loss of just one leg. Nick was showing a much more relaxed side of his play than at his previous WDF World Championship appearance at the 02 in 2020. The Number 12 seed had earned that placing the hard way and was demonstrating how.
The third set was much scrappier with both players missing a hatful of double opportunities, but Fullwell took it 3-1 to wrap up a straight-sets victory. Fullwell will be happy to have shown some of what he is capable of on the big stage and will know there is more needed against Neil Duff in the next round.
The Black Country thrower can almost be classed as a veteran after many years of playing PDC circuits, WDF tours, and limitless open events across the UK. It is often overlooked that he has played both codes World Championship, been selected for his country, reached a Pro Tour final, and won on the Challenge Tour.
Yet, he is often underestimated, perhaps due to his quiet nature and unsung ways. Indeed he was a Darts World Unsung Hero a couple of years ago!
Could it be that deciding to retire from work after a serious heart attack in 2020 (and coping with family tragedy previously) has left Nick with a different focus that could see him show his full potential on the Lakeside stage this year. One thing is for sure, many will be watching and wishing ‘Hero’ well on his every appearance.
—–ENDS—–
Image: Chris Sargeant /Tip Top Pics
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