Darren Webster reaches out to Sporting Chance for help during lockdown

Darren Webster

Darren Webster has opened up on how Sporting Chance is helping him through the current situation.

Webster, who will star in tonight's Unibet Home Tour Group 15, has suffered with a number of issues throughout his career, both physically and mentally.

The two-time World Championship quarter-finalist has now revealed how the charity set up by Arsenal and England legend Tony Adams is offering him the support he needs at this time.

Speaking to Phil Lanning for colossusbets.com, Webster said: “I struggle with lockdown. I can’t sit still for too long.

"I went to see someone from Sporting Chance which was set up by the PDPA [Professional Darts Players Association].

“I’ve been to every one of the Sporting Chance discussions organised by the PDPA. I was really bad when I first went last year.

“The guy at Sporting Chance explained a lot to me. He basically said what I’ve done is in the past my body and mind has shut the door and thrown the key away on stuff that has happened to me.

"I’m on medication for it. Don’t get me wrong, I control it quite well. But I can get down. I’m lucky I’ve got the missus, the dogs and my daughter here. Some people don’t have that.

“I have to keep my mind busy otherwise I overthink, I go over things in my mind. My way through it is work, keeping myself busy."

Darren Webster

Webster, 51, will face former World Championship runner-up Andy Hamilton, emerging talent Bradley Brooks and Players Championship semi-finalist Scott Baker in Night 15 of the home-staged online event.

He will play in his new practice room, which he had to re-build after complaints from his neighbours because of the thudding noise. 

“Thanks to me doing my practice room I’ve got a great set up now. I’ve got the tripod for the phone to film it. I’m now glad I spent the first week of lockdown doing it all up," Webster continued.

“I then had to spend £400 on echo insulation, plus acoustic plasterboard and carpet. I spent over £500 in total just so the neighbours can’t hear the thud. They spend less on the Ally Pally than I did on my practice room!

“Every day I get up at 6am and don’t sit down until 9pm. I go to work all day, come home and have my tea and then practice with Jack Main for two hours.

"That’s what I have done for five years non-stop. But obviously we can’t do that now either.

“I’m the most motivated person you’ll meet in your life. I practice every night of the week with Jack. He works on a building site like I do, no matter how knackered I am, I will practice for two hours every night.

"Since the start of the current situation I have been having a throw, not for two hours a day, but I've been keeping my arm in and it will be good to play competitively on the Home Tour."

Unibet Home Tour
Group 15 Fixtures
Friday May 1

Darren Webster v Bradley Brooks
Scott Baker v Andy Hamilton
Bradley Brooks v Andy Hamilton
Darren Webster v Scott Baker
Scott Baker v Bradley Brooks
Andy Hamilton v Darren Webster