Shaun Fox has qualified for the Ladbrokes PDC UK Open for the first time in six years.
The 35-year-old from Harwich, who has played the sport since he was 14, was dumped out of the event in the first round on his debut appearance back in 2019.
Now, after winning seven straight matches in a qualifier at Arena MK on Monday, he has grabbed one of only 16 places available to amateurs in the 160 field, and will step up to the oche in Minehead next month.
Fox admits he was almost paralysed with nerves first time around but now feels he is far more equipped.
“I will be more prepared – older and wiser – with a lot more experience under my belt and a better player,” he said.
“Last time I lost 6-1 in my first round match to former World Championship semi-finalist Andy Jenkins. I was overwhelmed but I am determined to do better this year.”
The Ladbrokes Professional Darts Corporation UK Open will be staged at the Butlins Resort in Minehead from February 28 to March 2 and Fox is looking forward to the challenge.
“I went to the qualifier hoping to make it – I knew the game was in there but it’s all a matter of doing it on the day,” he added.
“It went very well and I had seven wins on the bounce and was one of four amateurs to make it through from the event in Milton Keynes.”
Fox, who is a stock controller for Premier Labellers in Harwich, plays at the Upper Dovercourt Social Club.
He is an Essex A team member who has competed in multiple Challenge Tour events.
He made the semis of the inaugural Tendring Masters Rab Scott Trophy staged at the Princes Theatre, Clacton, last year losing out to winner Paul Wiliams.
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Images: Lloyd Smith (L&L Photography)
Words: Nigel Brown
