Interview; Devon Petersen – South African WC qualifier

Interview; Devon Petersen – South African WC qualifier

A bit of a special interview this one – because it’s a nice preview of one of the players who will be on your screens in the up coming World Championships, and also a ‘one to watch’ interview.  Devon Petersen may not be a well known player to most of you – but that could just change this Christmas, as he will be watching by hundreds of thousands of UK darts fans on Sky TV.   He’s the South African qualifier, who won the SA Open this year to qualify (after JUST losing out last year after reaching the final of the same tournament).

Look out for the answer Devon gives about his dart – it’s a cracking little story…

Q.  Hi Devon, you’ve qualified for the PDC World Championships at the end of this year – how much are you looking forward to being part of the biggest darts competition in the world?

It’s really a dream come true from the day I staryed playing I always wanted to be a pro dart player and entertain the crowds. The world qualifiers gave me that opportunity and I am grateful for it, it brings me to tears if I think about it!

Q.  Will you be bringing any fans or family over with you – or hope to earn some fans while here with your play?  (the British fans are known to like a good underdog!).

No one will be travelling with me but I know they are supporting me back home. I hope to win over some of the crowd cause as I have witnessed the crowd plays a vital role in the success of the players.

Q.  Have you seen much of the big PDC TV tournaments – and are you ready for the noise/mad crowds you are going to experience at Alexandra Palace?

Its definitely something different as we (in South Africa) have crowds of small numbers that watch and now its much more noise and all the other elements that come into play, but I’m sure it should affect me – it might boost me who knows?

Q.  You only just missed out qualifying last year – how good was it to get revenge and win the SA Open this year?

I wouldn’t call it revenge its just a matter of it wasnt my time to play on the world stage.  I needed to grow in the sport and thats exactly what I did and was rewarded with the opportunity to play at this years world champs.

Q.  There’s probably quite a few British darts fans who haven’t heard much about you – how long have you been playing darts?

I have been playing since the age of 18yrs and never looked back.  Darts has changed my life it let me see Africa and it’s helping me see the world.

Q.  One for the darts geek – what darts do you throw (make/weight) ?

I play with a Phase 5 Phil Taylor 25.8gram but there’s a little story with regards to my darts.  I played against John Part in the Quarter finals of the S.A. Masters, and when I returned to the players lounge Phil came over to me and said “Well played mate here’s a set of my darts, and don’t beat me with them!”  It was a magical moment in my life as the greatest player to ever throw a dart gave me a set of his own darts; it’s my most valuable possession.  I can also say that it has changed the way I throw and contributed a large amount to my success this year.

Q.  What’s the darts scene like in South Africa?  Is there a regular tour like here in the UK?

We play a league with different competitions during the year and 1 major competition which is the S.A. nationals but its nothing close to what the PDC offers.

Q.  Have you got your music choice made for your walk-on at the worlds – a good walk-on can get the crowds onside of course – it’s all part of the entertainment.

Still deciding can you give me an idea of what you think would work with the crowd?  (suggestions to me and I’ll forward em on!)

Q. What sort of character are you at the oche?  What should we expect, a quiet and focused or a ‘bad boy’ like Nicholson?

I’m a bit of both at times but mostly focused and quiet.

Q. Do you see darts as a bit of fun, or would you like to make it your ‘job’ ?

I’m wanting to make it my job cause I could see myself doing this for years and playing on the pro circuit but I’m going to need sponsors and other things to do so. I’m busy with somethings but would be awesome if I could get assistance like a team to play for and so on.

Q.  Who are your darts heroes (if any) – are there any players you’d really like to play at the world championships?

Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor of course !  (and wouldn’t it be a moment if Devon beats him with his own darts)

Q.  If you have a really successful world championship in Dec/Jan – would you be tempted to join the PDC Pro tour here and play in more tournaments?

The plan is to stay and play on the pro circuit if the other factors could be sorted out like sponsors and a team and all the other admin issues.

Thanks again to Devon for his answers – I for one can’t wait to see how he gets on with those Sigma 5’s in December.  It’s wet my appetite for the World Championships now – shame we have to wait so long!!   If you are interested in getting in touch with him – regarding sponsorship or helping him give things a go in the UK, just get in touch and I’ll pass it on.

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