It’s been an interesting few months since going back to work full time. The balancing of competing interests has always been one of the most difficult things about a darts career and it doesn’t get less so.
I did however manage to catch up with the Lakeside and it was intruiging to see one of our MODUS Super Series colleagues, Shane McGuirk, going so well. As I write he is into the semi finals and clocking up regular 90+ averages. He is certainly capable of pulling off a surprise.
The cycle of fulltime work, darts, work, practice and then matches etc. all merge into one and the next thing you know it’s Christmas and Ally Pally time!
Now, I know you have the two Lukes, Humphries and Littler, who everyone will rant and rave about. But, my wild card, I dare say, is the oldtimer himself, Gary Anderson.
Ando has been playing very well and wisely he has been reserving energy , not travelling too much. He always does well on big occasions and does not often depart early and often gives very good value. So, from one elder statesman to another, let’s see how the Flying Scotsman goes this time.
I have been very impressed with ‘young’ Mike De Decker. Not only his Grand Prix win but in his demeanour since. He has remained very calm and does not seem to have gotten carried away, he could be another to watch.
On a playing note I popped over to the Charlie Piches Memorial event in Burton and had a very nice spell indeed. In 5 games until the final I didn’t drop more than a single leg. The final was a tougher affair against local legend Ricky Sudale. We have battled often over the years and this time I had the edge 6-4 to conclude a very worthwhile day all round.
The festive season promises to be as hectic as ever but this time I am taking a leaf out of the legendary Beaton playbook and heading away for a little winter sun before Q School.
Meanwhile, I send all of you Wizard Wishes for a fabulous Christmas and a bounty 2025!
—–ENDS—–
Colin Osborne is a multiple PDC event winning professional dart player who won the PDC’s Champions League of darts in 2009
