Luke Littler has taken the darts world by a storm, and his emergence has certainly been felt by his rivals.
William O’Connor has voiced his concerns that darts’ non-elite players are at a significant disadvantage, describing the sport’s top level as ‘soul-destroying’. Firm in his conviction to persevere, the Irish ace is determined to make 2025 his breakthrough year.
O’Connor criticises the PDC’s decision to seed Main Order of Merit stars into the second rounds of European events, arguing that it deals a harsh blow to the lower-ranked competitors.
He lamented: “We’re goosed. The European tour is such a huge part of the pro tour. Is it eight qualifying now for the pro tours? We haven’t a chance. How do you break into the top 32? How do you break into anything?”
He feels the changes severely limit opportunities for rising talent, making it harder to bridge the gap to the leading players who seem entrenched at the top. Despite these challenges, O’Connor recently showcased his potential by defeating Rob Cross at the Masters, progressing to the last 16.
Resolute, he remarked: “I promised myself this is going to be the year. So, whether I’ve got a bit of luck or got a bit of someone looking down on me, but I mean it. Hopefully this is the year for me.
“You get out of darts what you put in. You don’t put in the time and effort, you get what you deserve. I got what I deserved and that’s it. So, this year is a difference and you have to put in the time and if you don’t, you’re going to get pushed out for these new up-and-comers.”
“It’s relentless. It’s so difficult. The tour is soul-destroying. You go and play at the best darts of your life and still go home and put no money in the bank.
“The tour is so hard because it’s the best players in the world. It’s not the best players in Ireland or England or Germany. It’s the best players in the world and that’s what you’re against every week.
In spite of the challenges, his ambition remains undeterred, revealing his target: “I want to win a Players’ Championship. That’s what my sights are set on. That’s just the plan. Change of mindset and dedication. A little bit of ease at home and stuff. That’s it.”