World Grand Prix Prediction and Robert Thornton Interview

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.

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.

Exclusive Stephen Bunting Interview

Stephen Bunting

Nickname: The Bullet

Born: 9th April 1985

Hometown: St Helens, Merseyside, England

Darts: Target Bullet Darts 12 Grams

Major Title Wins: BDO World Championship 2014

Current PDC Ranking: 19

Declan McCormick: Hello Stephen, firstly thanks for giving up your time to answer a few questions. You have been playing well since joining The PDC at the beginning of 2014. Have you got any targets on where you would like to be in the Order of Merit come the end of the year?

Stephen Bunting: I want to be ranked as high as possible, my target is to break into the top 16 by the end of the year and I believe that is very achievable. 

Declan: You have recently changed back to your old set up that helped you win the BDO World Championship. Do you feel you can win a major in the PDC with these darts?

Stephen: I believe so. The target Gen 2 darts are amazing but I felt I was not as consistent and my confidence was not as high with them. I won the lakeside with the darts I am throwing now so there is a lot of confidence with those ones. I believe these darts will help me win many majors. 

Declan: The World Series was a great event that is spreading the word of darts around the globe. How did find the experience?

Stephen: It was amazing. Playing in countries I could never have dreamed of going to was surreal. The atmosphere in all the World Series events was epic and I can't wait for the finals in Glasgow. 

Declan: You have enjoyed many memorable moments during your career, including winning the BDO World Championship, but what is your proudest achievement to date?

Stephen: My proudest achievement has to be winning the lakeside. I had several attempts to try and win the title and fortunate for me I eventually won it. I must say being involved in the premier league and the experience that came with that has to be a close second. 

Declan: St Helens has produced a lot of top darts players over the years including yourself and Dave Chisnall. Is there a reason why so many from St Helens become professional?

Stephen: I don't think so. There is a lot of great players in St. Helens but just like Stoke. St Helens isn't the biggest town but there is a great darting interest and a lot of pub teams in the town. I think there must be something in the water. 

Declan: Finally, if you could pick any player to be your doubles partner who would it be?

Stephen: I would have to say Dave Chisnall. He is a close friend and also one of the best dart players in the world.

Exclusive Simon Whitlock Interview

Simon Whitlock

Nickname: The Wizard
Born: 3rd March 1969
Nationality: Australian
Darts Weight: 22 Grams
Major Title Wins: 2012 European Championship
Best World Championship Finish: Runner-Up
Current PDC Ranking: 11



Declan McCormick: Hello Simon, thanks for giving up your time to answer a few of these questions. Your form has been good this year, do you feel like you are returning to your excellent best that we all saw when you moved to the UK?

Simon Whitlock: I think I could’ve done better this year but I’m getting there. I have changed a few things with my set up and I always knew that it might be a case of taking a step back before I can move forward. I feel like I’m on that upward curve now though and I’m looking forward to the rest of the seasons.

Declan: We are approaching the final string of tournaments in a busy few months leading up to the World Championships, what targets have you set for the remainder of 2015?

Simon: I haven’t really set any specific targets in terms of results this year. I just want to keep improving and get back to where I was a couple of years ago and I believe that if I keep doing what I’m doing then I can be even better.

Declan: You have changed your darts on several ocassions over the past few years, are you confident in your current setup and do you plan on keeping it the same for the foreseeable future?

Simon: I knew I had to make a change and I will be sticking by it. I just need to keep playing to get used to the new set up so I plan to keep it as it is as I know I can play a lot better with more practice.

Declan: The World Series was a fantastic event to watch and it is putting darts on a global map. How does it feel to play in front of your home fans who see you as their darting hero?

Simon: I really enjoyed playing in the World Series. It is always great to go back to Australia. The game there is in good shape and is getting even better. I always get a good reception in most places luckily, but I always get goosebumps in my walk-ons in Australia.

Declan: You have had some memorable experiences since you burst onto the PDC scene in 2010 most notably being runner up in the World Championships when being unseeded and registering a 9-darter in the Premier League, but what has been your proudest moment so far?

Simon: I think the nine-darter in the Premier League has to be up there and I am proud to have reached the World Championship final but my proudest moment is definitely winning the European Championship in 2012. Not that many players win majors in the modern age of darts with so many good players around so I’m so pleased to have achieved that.

Declan: Thanks for your time Simon and good luck for the rest of the year.

Exclusive Kyle Anderson Interview

Kyle Anderson

Nickname: The Original
Born: 14th September 1987
Nationality: Australian
Darts: Unicorn
Weight: 23 grams
Favourite darts player: John Lowe
Current PDC Ranking: 47

Declan McCormick - You met John Lowe in December 2014. How did it feel to meet your darting hero? Did he offer you any advice which has helped improve your game?

Kyle Anderson - First off thanks you for the interview, I first met Mr Lowe back in 2003 whilst he did a exhibition in Elizabeth, South Australia. But to meet him on a personal level was fantastic, he was so humble and we had a brief practice together, he still hits bull like its turning on a shower. He just said to me that I have the game to trouble a lot of players and said keep a level head son and you'll be alright



DMcC - At the age of 14 you were quoted saying, "I like watching World Darts Championships, which are televised from England. There are so many people watching when they play, they must be under so much pressure!" You are now faced with the same problem. How do you deal with pressure when you are on the big stage?

KA - I must admit my first game on TV I absolutely caked it, not having any stage experience to that was a eye opener. Now I've been on stage a bit and feel comfortable up there. Just need to bring the it all together and should be fine



DMcC -  Its a known fact that you suffered from homesickness when you moved to England last year. What advice would you give to a player that is thinking about settling in the UK to pursue a career in darts?

KA - Homesickness will always be there, my fiancé and son are back in Australia so I try go back every chance I get, you need to be very strong to do it. I've lived away from family before but this is different, time difference is a main factor whilst I'm asleep and vise-versa. Just have to concentrate on the reason you are here for, if you believe you can do it, give it a go.



DMcC - You have a massive few weeks coming up regarding your qualification for the World Matchplay. Leading up to 2015 did you set any goals for the year?

KA - My first goal was to qualify for the UK open. Then I had a couple good weeks on tour and got close to Matchplay and thought I'm in with a shot to get there. Just gotta do what I do to hopefully qualify.



DMcC - So far in your PDC career you have made history on a couple of occasions. You hit a 9-dart-finish in the World Championships and you recorded an incredible 134.84 average against Terry Jenkins, but what has been your proudest moment?

KA - I'd say my most proudest was qualifying for the PDC tour, Q-School was a daunting thing for me. Travelling all the way across from Mount Morgan, Queensland in Australia to Wigan, was a trek in itself then I had to hope all my game was there for the four days of qualifying. I was in no way confident of a first day card at the start, but as day went on I felt good and the results came



DMcC - Finally, if you could face any player in the World Championship Final, who would it be?

KA - If I could meet anyone in the final it would be my brother Beau. Just for the pure fact we both wouldn't feel any nerves and it would be a good final. When we watch each other play we are both nervous wrecks, but when we play each other we hate each other just sibling rivalry storyline I think



DMcC - Thanks very much for your time Kyle and good luck in the future!