It felt amazing winning the European Championship darts title, and I was especially pleased at how I played in the final. To beat someone like Luke under that pressure, and in a final leg was special, and to beat the world number one to take the title with a 100 finish was even more special.
I love the Grand Slam, I think it’s one of the best tournaments of the year. It’s different to the others with the group stages and playing on different days, so it’s unique. Being in the same group as Wessel Nijman, Josh Rock and Lisa Ashton was tough, and there was always a possibility that you could win two matches and still go out, and that’s exactly what happened.
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It was disappointing after winning the European Championship I wanted to continue that momentum, but it’s part of the learning curve.
I then moved onto Minehead, where the weekend was a mixed one!
Beating Luke Humphries in round one at the Players Championship Finals was fantastic, but I wanted to continue that run, so losing to Krzysztof Ratajski in round two was a disappointment, but fair play to him, he played really well and took some impressive finishes out along the way.
To be in a third World Youth Championship in a row was a massive achievement for me, and it felt so special to defend the title and be the second-ever player to do that. I think I will be playing Beau many more times, especially now that she has a Tour Card. She’s going to do a lot of damage in the next couple of years. She’s a fantastic player, and I knew it would be a tough battle. The crowd were kinder to me than I expected too!
If you would have said though that I would beat Luke and Beau Greaves in the same weekend, then I would have definitely taken that.
I’m really looking forward to the World Championship!
It hasn’t been the best place for me over the last couple of years with losing my opening match, but I’ve grown a lot this year mentally, with lots more experience gained on the big stage, and that should help me going forward.
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Cristo Reyes will be a tricky opponent. He hasn’t played PDC darts for the last few years, but, if he plays like he’s capable of then I’m in for a tough game. Hopefully I can get on a good run, and I’ll be looking to make the quarter finals at least. I’ll make sure I’m fully focused and ready.
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Published in DartsWorld Magazine (Issue 592)
Gian is sponsored by Red Dragon Darts and managed by Mach Darts
