Darren Penhall has revealed his plans to walk away from the sport following this year’s Paddy Power World Darts Championship, despite marking his debut with an impressive victory.
The English-born Australian underlined his credentials on the Alexandra Palace stage, celebrating a 3-1 success against Jules van Dongen on Saturday afternoon.
Penhall produced a trio of ton-plus checkouts to topple the American number one, which sets up a clash against former Masters champion Joe Cullen on Sunday.
“It’s taken me 45 years to get here, and to win on the biggest stage in the world is amazing. It means a lot to me, it’s great,” reflected Penhall, who took out finishes of 108, 116 and 120.
“I’m actually not pleased with the way I’ve performed because I don’t get nervous, but I was so nervous on that stage today.
“My hand was shaking, and I don’t even know how they went in to be honest.
“I was lucky to come off there with that win today. I’m a lot better player than that, but nerves got to me up there.”
The former PDC Tour Card Holder moved back to Australia after losing his place on the professional circuit in 2022, but insists he is a better player today following his dominance on the DPA circuit.
“I’m a far better player now; I’m a hard player to beat now for anyone,” claimed Penhall, who won 11 of the 21 DPA ProTour events held throughout the year.
“I learned a lot on the tour. I lost so many games 6-5, 6-4 and that really hardens you up so when you’re playing other events. I think it gives you an edge.
“The whole year [on the DPA Pro Tour] has just been a bit of fun. I wasn’t going to play darts this year, so I just took it as a bit of fun.
“Even when I rolled up today I just tried to play for fun, that’s all I’ve done all year.”
Despite his extraordinary success in 2023, Penhall could bring down the curtain on his competitive career on the iconic Alexandra Palace stage.
The 51-year-old revealed he made plans to walk away from darts 18 months ago, but he is relishing his impending battle with former Premier League runner-up Cullen in the capital.
“The [retirement] decision was made 18 months ago when I went back to Australia,” claimed Penhall.
“If you’re going to play darts then you’ve got to play in England.
“Me and my wife keep talking and say perhaps I’m not finished because I can play some good stuff. This [World Championship] is meant to be it [for my career] but you don’t know.
“I know I’ve got the game to beat anyone, it’s just trying to get it out.
“I’ve been like that for a few years, I keep making chances for myself on the big stage and I never really play very well, so I’m hoping tomorrow I can be relaxed and give Joe [Cullen] a good game.
“I played Joe once just before I went back to Australia and I’ve got a good record against him, so hopefully he’ll be thinking about that rather than me thinking about him!”
2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
Sunday December 17
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Ricky Evans v Simon Adams (R1)
Jim Williams v Norman Madhoo (R1)
Matt Campbell v Lourence Ilagan (R1)
Joe Cullen v Darren Penhall (R2)
Evening Session (1900 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Dylan Slevin v Florian Hempel (R1)
Niels Zonneveld v Darren Webster (R1)
Jermaine Wattimena v Fallon Sherrock (R1)
Luke Humphries v Lee Evans (R2)