The World Grand Prix starts this Sunday in Dublin. I was going to post my predictions, but to be honest, I only really have one...Robert Thornton. He was unlucky to lose what turned out to be a history making match against James Wade in the last 16 stage last year where both players registered 9-dart finishes in the same match, a feat that had only ever been achieved once before in the double in-double out format by Brendan Dolan.
In 2012 at this event, the Scotsman reached the Quarter Final stage where he lost to Mervyn King, but he was impressive when he knocked out Phil Taylor in the previous round with a 96.6 average.
The Thorn's accuracy at double 20 is very strong, something that is desperately needed at the World Grand Prix to both get started in each leg and finish it.
Thornton's opponent in the first round is Northern Irish man Daryl Gurney. Not exactly a walk in the park, but it could have been worse with only the top 8 players being seeded. In the Second Round he could face either Steve Beaton or Justin Pipe, again not as bad as it could have been, but the current World Champion could be the next opponent in the Quarter Finals. Gary Anderson hasn't been on top form lately and in my opinion Thornton could give him a good game and get the victory.
I set out to arrange an interview with Robert to hear his thoughts on the draw and his current form. Have a read below to find out what he had to say.
In 2012 at this event, the Scotsman reached the Quarter Final stage where he lost to Mervyn King, but he was impressive when he knocked out Phil Taylor in the previous round with a 96.6 average.
The Thorn's accuracy at double 20 is very strong, something that is desperately needed at the World Grand Prix to both get started in each leg and finish it.
Thornton's opponent in the first round is Northern Irish man Daryl Gurney. Not exactly a walk in the park, but it could have been worse with only the top 8 players being seeded. In the Second Round he could face either Steve Beaton or Justin Pipe, again not as bad as it could have been, but the current World Champion could be the next opponent in the Quarter Finals. Gary Anderson hasn't been on top form lately and in my opinion Thornton could give him a good game and get the victory.
I set out to arrange an interview with Robert to hear his thoughts on the draw and his current form. Have a read below to find out what he had to say.
Robert Thornton
Nickname: The Thorn
Born: 17th July 1967
Darts: Robert Thornton 26 Gram Red Dragon
Major Titles: BDO World Masters 2007, UK Open 2012
Current PDC Ranking: 7
Declan McCormick: Hello Robert, firstly thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for me. How do you think 2015 has went for you so far?
Robert Thornton: I think I’ve done okay. I’ve won a European Tournament, where I played very well. It looks like that has got me in the Grand Slam and I’ve been lucky enough to be selected for the World Series finals and we are into the business end of the season now so I will judge my year on the next three months.
Declan: You narrowly missed out on the Premier League earlier this year. In the long run do you think this has benefited your game due to not having to travel as much?
Robert: I wouldn’t say so. I enjoyed every minute of being in the Premier League and am working hard to get back in it. What I do know is that being in it definitely benefitted my game.
Declan: The World Grand Prix is next week and you seem to always play well at this event. Did you set this tournament as one of your main targets at the beginning of the year?
Robert: I go into every tournament believing I can win it. I have a lot of good memories from the Grand Prix so I’m hoping I can make even better ones.
Declan: Are you happy with the draw?
Robert: It doesn’t really bother me because there are no easy draws these days and you have to beat the best players to win any tournament.
Declan: You could potentially meet Gary Anderson and James Wade on your way to the Semi Finals next week. Do you ever think that far ahead in tournaments or do you just get on with your game?
Robert: It’s all about taking one game at a time. If you allow yourself to think too far ahead then you lose focus on the task at hand.
Declan: Finally, as I am a massive fan of yours I'd love to see you win a World Championship. Do you think your form is good enough to give it a go this year?
Robert: We’ll see over the next couple of months but I’m happy so far that my game is in a good place and if I can take it up a level, I’ll be there or thereabouts.
