World Darts Championship: Glen Durrant on his dream debut season in the PDC ahead of Ally Pally debut

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No matter where you turn in the wonderful world of darts, there’s many incredible stories to be told.

And the latest chapter in Glen Durrant's career – 'joining the big league' - takes some beating.

The popular Teessider had already done it all BDO so when he etched his name into Lakeside history by equalling Eric Bristow’s record of three successive world titles, it was the perfect time to give in to the lure of the PDC at the age of 48.

It may well be an urban myth that pundits, players and fans alike doubted he could mix it with the very best – after all, his 'PDC standard' statistics and performances were hardly a secret – but they’ll have been plenty poised to knock him down with their keypads.

After all the hype, failure to earn a tour card at Q School just wasn’t an option.

"There was a lot of scrutiny when I came to the PDC from fans and players," recalls Duzza. "I can’t even describe what Q School was like – 90% of the audience in that building was watching my games."

The resulting pressure at the Robin Park Tennis Centre was evident. On the first two days he suffered early exits as fellow BDO rivals Jamie Hughes, Mark McGeeney and Scott Baker earned their cards automatically, and on the third he was shocked by Reece Robinson when a victory would have earned his spot.

On the fourth and final day, Durrant trailed the little-known Matthew Dennant 4-2 in a race to five and watched in horror when his opponent stepped up to the oche with three clear match darts to take out 32 and kill his dream before it had even started.

Well, evidently they all missed and Duzza went on to win the league, the match and then two more which meant he sneaked one of the 11 cards available via the Order of Merit despite a defeat to Kirk Shepherd.

At the time he tweeted: "The best woodcutters in the world, when given 4 hours to chop down an almighty tree, spend 3 hours sharpening their axe!"

Well and truly sharpened, his axe broke his shackles and away he went, reaching a final in his just second ever Pro Tour event, losing to Dave Chisnall in a deciding leg no less, before clinching his maiden title in his fourth.

Despite a disappointing showing at the UK Open, Durrant continued to soar up the lower reaches of the rankings with consistent runs on tour before eventually coming up against Michael van Gerwen for an eagerly anticipated first meeting between the two world champions.

Barnsley Metrodome was the low key setting in May, just two days after MVG sealed top spot in the Premier League for the seventh year running, but Duzza’s 7-2 demolition job in a Players Championship semi-final sent a shockwave through the sport before backing it up with his second PDC title.

Their paths would meet again on one of the grandest stages of all at the Winter Gardens just two months later in an unforgettable second-round clash at the World Matchplay, which Durrant won en route to the semi-finals.

He said: “When I won my Pro Tour titles and reached the World Matchplay semi-finals, it cemented why I came over from the BDO and people accepted that I can throw a dart.

“I beat Michael van Gerwen along the way and the crowd really took to me – it was an incredible week that I’ll never forget.

“Michael Smith came out firing in the semi-finals and there wasn’t a lot I could do from 8-2 down so the dream was ended in the first session.

“But it didn’t dampen an amazing week.”

The defeat to Smith began quite a strange rivalry between the pair, with the eventual World Matchplay runner-up seemingly not impressed with Durrant’s "living the dream" narrative.

Smith also questioned how he could qualify for the Grand Slam of Darts as a BDO player and then, following a 5-3 victory in the group stages, claimed he should have beaten him 5-0 – comments which irked Duzza.

He’d get his revenge in the last eight to reach his third televised semi-final of a sensational season – having also done so at the World Grand Prix – although he’d eventually fall short against Peter Wright.

Durrant said: "The whole Michael Smith thing was blown out of proportion. It’s a cut throat business with £16million to play for next year and Michael’s right – we’re not here to make friends.

"I had a good look at myself that week and realised I have to look after me. I have zero problems with Michael and he’ll feel the same way.

"We’re all fighting for the prizes that are out there – but sometimes the things that are said are portrayed in a certain way.

"Maybe I took some things to heart but you’ve got to be focused on yourself and I’ve learned some valuable lessons."

Durrant's rise through the PDC ranks has incredibly earned him a seeding of 27 for his Ally Pally debut after just one season and while few would be surprised to see him reach another semi-final, the 49-year-old is hungry for more.

He said: "Being a seed for the Ally Pally has exceeded my expectations for sure but I don’t want to look backwards. I want to set more and more targets, and turn those major semi-finals into finals and finals into trophies.

"It’s an exciting period in my time and I’m just loving the challenge."

Challenge being the operative word compared to his glory days in the BDO.

"What I’ve learned this year is I lose most weeks – whether it’s a semi-final, final or earlier," he added. "Whereas in the BDO I was winning about seven tournaments out of 10 that I entered.

"When you win it breeds confidence so when I was in the BDO I used to map myself to the final and believed I was the best player there. It’s all part of the transition and I believe I’ve gone from the Championship to the Premier League.

"It’s been tough and challenging but I’m relishing everything that’s going on and working so hard to get to the very top of the game."

Duzza metaphorically refers to the PDC as the Premier League but what about being picked for the real thing next year?

Durrant was one of the 'contenders' during the 2019 edition, losing 7-3 to Daryl Gurney in Glasgow, and will surely be in with a great shout of a permanent spot if he can enjoy a lengthy run at the Ally Pally.

He said: "If I lose early doors at the Ally Pally, that will blow any dreams I have of playing in the Premier League next season. I believe I’ve got to reach the semi-finals or even the final to reach the Premier League.

"Honestly, it’s not high on my agenda. My number one priority for 2020 is a TV title and then to keep progressing.

"The Premier League can make or break you. The last few months have taken their toll so to add the Premier League into the schedule, you’re away from home for so long.

"It’s not the be all and end all for me but I am flattered to be linked to it."

Durrant is in the top 10 in the betting for World Championship glory and should he do so, he'd effectively be the first dual holder of the BDO and PDC crowns - if only for a few days.

He said: "I’m not a gambling man but I am surprised to see myself around eighth favourite for the title.

"The bookies used to make me even-money favourite to win at the Lakeside – so I’m sure they know what they’re doing because I won it three times in a row!

"I'm flattered but I wouldn’t tell all my friends to put loads of money on me because the challenge is unbelievable. There’s been bigger shocks in the world than a 25/1 winner though!"

Should the Middlesbrough fan manage such a feat, he'll probably have to beat Gerwyn Price in the bottom half of the draw before seeing off defending champion Michael van Gerwen in the final.

The red hot pair have been dominating the darting headlines this winter for their budding rivalry and explosive performances, and Durrant is enjoying being part of the era.

He said: "I’ve said on record Michael van Gerwen is the best player in the PDC – when he wants to win, he will win. But now he has a genuine rivalry with Gerwyn Price, who has what it takes.

"He’s come from that sporting background in rugby and he’s what the game needs. It’ll be an exciting few years for the pair of them and the rest of us are trying to reach that benchmark."

Duzza has no regrets about not moving to the PDC sooner, but he is urging anyone who feels they are talented enough to give Q School a go next month.

That includes his close friend Jim Williams, who missed out back in January but has since rediscover his best form ahead of his own tilt at BDO glory.

He said: "Come and join the Premier League. The rewards are magnificent so come and get your Willy Wonka Golden Ticket. I’ve spoken to the BDO players to say how tough Q School is – I only just scraped through.

"Someone had three darts to end my dream so it’s not a gimme. If you do get your Tour Card it is a golden ticket and financially it can change your life.

"I’m Jim Williams’ biggest fan and he can make it – he’s got a great future ahead of him."

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