AFTER missing out on Ireland's Europe Cup team by just one place last year, Waterford darts star Dean Finn had one big goal in mind this time around - to make the top four in the INDO rankings.
In an interview with Darts In Ireland last June, Finn made it clear then that he wanted to be on the plane to South Korea for the WDF World Cup this September.
After finishing the rankings season as Ireland's number two - winning more events along the way than any other player - Finn has more than manged to do that.
It's why he had the air of a contented man as he spoke to Darts In Ireland at the Shearwater Hotel on Sunday night about his delight at achieving his big aim.
He said: "I came into the year with just one aim and that was to make the top four and into the Ireland team for the World Cup.
"Coming into this weekend I knew that it was not mathematically secure and that I needed one or two more points, as I was not finishing fifth again this year.
"Thankfully I got there. Last year I got pipped by Conor Heneghan on the very final day so it's a relief to make it this year."
Finn came into the final weekend with the chance of finishing as Ireland's number one, but lost out to the man who claimed that spot, Stephen Rosney, who beat him in the final of the Irish Singles on Saturday night.
However Finn said he we wasn't overly concerned what position he finished in, so long as it was in the top four.
He said: "After going home last year finishing fifth, I didn't want that happening again, so even though I lost that final to Stephen on Saturday, I knew I'd done enough this time.
"It meant I could go into the final day this time with not a care."
Dean revealed how ranking competitions do get nervy for players when they're chasing points.
He added: "It can play on your mind a bit, especially in the round robin stages when you just want to get out of your group and get points.
"I knew once I got out of my group on Saturday that I was clear then and that took the pressure off."
Meanwhile, Dean reckons the Ireland team for the World Cup - which also includes Rosney, Gerard McGlynn and Paddy Quinn - will have a "serious chance" of success this year.
"The standard at the INDO competitions now is gone ridiculously good, so we have a very strong team there," he said.
"We also have a lot of good tournaments coming up, including the Six Nations in June, so that will keep us playing at a high standard and keep us sharp.
"That's going to be important going into the World Cup."
FOR ALL THE TOP DARTS BRANDS, CHECK OUT DOUBLE IN DARTS. JUST CLICK ON THE LOGO BELOW:
Add comment
Comments