Darting icon Glen Durrant supports world No 1 selection
Darting icon Glen Durrant has defended the selection of opponents to face the world No 1, contending that they deserve recognition rather than the dismissal they have received, reports BritPanorama.
In an exclusive interview, Durrant remarked on the backlash from social media, where critics suggested the lineup was curated to favour the top player. “I read social media, and a lot of it was like: ‘Listen, my mates, mates, mates went and did a 12-darter, and they said to him: ‘You’re too good to be honest.’ So they’re cherry-picking 20 players, and he’s going to steamroll all of them,” he explained.
He further highlighted the inconsistency in public opinion, noting, “Then the same people who were writing that when the 20 came out are saying this is all wrong. It was marketed as pub players.” Durrant emphasised that the names included, such as Makinley Cooper-Johnson and Kasey Smith, are skilled in their field, countering claims that they are not professional players.
Concluding his remarks, Durrant reflected on the high-stakes nature of dart competitions, stating, “But I know what it’s like to throw a dart for £100,000. I know what it takes to throw a dart for £250,000, and I know it’s like an out-of-body experience. It’s entertainment. Netflix is a wonderful addition to the world of darts. Let’s embrace it.”
In a sport where the line between player and spectator often blurs, Durrant’s passion underscores the evolving landscape of darts, where even the most seasoned professionals must adapt to new formats and evolving expectations. It’s a reminder that in the world of sport, perceptions can be as polarized as the players themselves.