DARTS: Gurney ready to take on the world

Daryl Gurney comes up against Jamie Lewis in the first round of the William Hill World Darts Championships.

Gurney faces Jamie Lewis in the first round in front of the Sky Sports camera’s tomorrow evening.

All the action from Alexandra Palace, gets underway at 7pm, with Gurney the second game scheduled.

Victory for the 29-year-old would probably set-up a second round clash with current World Champion Gary Anderson, on Boxing Day.

Gurney has defeated Anderson already only a few weeks ago in fact when he secured a career best finish in a PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) televised competition.

Despite the potential big encounter against Anderson, Gurney is only focusing on his first round tie against Lewis.

“I have played Jamie twice in the PDC and it’s one win each, but I beat him 2-0 in a BDO (British Darts Organisation) competition, but he’s a different player since the BDO.

“He’s top 32 in the world and he’s a very good player, he represents Wales at a World Cup and he has gained a lot of good experience on the stage and beat a couple of the top players and he has played really well throughout the year in general.”

Having seen off Anderson at the recent Players Championship competition before getting knocked out by world number one Michael van Gerwen in the semi-final, Gurney is expecting a different Scots man this time around.

“Yes Gary will be out for revenge, but if I get through Lewis I’ll be ready for whatever Gary throws at me,” he added.

“However if he turns up and plays his A plus game then it’s going to be hard for me, because his A plus game can beat anyone in the world.

“I’m hoping to get through the first round and if I do get Gary then fingers crossed it’s a very good game, which goes to a last set with a leg between us.”

Gurney, who’s having a super season and only last weekend he won the Donegal Open, admits putting in the hours is making him a better player.

“I’ve been more dedicated and practised a lot more and really hard,” he added.

“I have also been trying to build my game brick by brick so to speak, trying to build my game in all areas.

“Every game on TV is a little bit more experience and it’s looking a little bit better than it was 12 months ago. I’m trying to be more dedicated and put more hours in because the players in the PDC are ruthless.”