James Richardson is back in action at the MODUS Super Series next week, joining the fray on Thursday afternoon. Last time out at the Live Lounge, the Northants thrower made it all the way to Finals Night, only to be thwarted by a couple of familiar faces – including one very close mate.
Naturally, Darts World caught up with Ruthless… and decided, perhaps a little cruelly (and with no small amount of irony), to remind him all about it:
“I played decent early on. But it was nice to spend some time with Merv [King] – I hadn’t seen him for a while and was looking forward to it. On the Saturday, I drew him and Steve West in my group and turned up thinking, ‘this is where I’ve got to play well’. But unfortunately, despite being well prepared, it just didn’t click on the night.”
Richardson famously hit a nine-darter at MODUS – in fact, he’s hit two, both back in 2021. Perhaps more unforgettable, though, was the one he fired in during a last-leg decider against his own son, Josh. I believe that’s what they call tough love. Speaking of Josh – now forging his own path on the PDC Pro Tour – his dad remains supportive:
“His game isn’t where he wants it to be, but that circuit is tough as nails. It’s not easy getting wins these days – just got to enjoy it and soak up the experience of the tour.”
Only recently, Ruthless walked away from Tunbridge Wells with a tidy sum of over a grand in his back pocket – runner-up on Friday, champion on Saturday.
Next stop: Harlow in August. And it’s at this point James politely insists I mention that he’s currently top of the rankings. If you fancy giving it a go yourself, just get in touch with the organisers.
But Richardson has his eyes on a bigger prize – the Vault Midlands belt, currently wrapped around the waist of Graham Hall. Though let’s be honest, you’re unlikely to catch him doing the big shop in Morrisons with it on.
“I lost it to Graham, so I’ve got to get through a 32-man qualifier to earn the right to play him again and try to win it back. That would get me into the ADC Global Championship tournament.”
A man with a plan – and a trowel. Because yes, away from the oche, Richardson works as a bricklayer. But right now, his focus is firmly on Saturday night and another crack at MODUS glory.
“After last weekend and playing well on the Tour, I’m confident. I feel like my game’s in a decent place, even though I rarely have time to practice. Let’s see what happens.”
Those walls might not build themselves, James. But with any luck, he’ll be laying some solid foundations on stage this weekend.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
