ALEXANDRE SATTIN has revealed his pride at securing the chance to partner Brazilian pioneer Diogo Portela in the Betway World Cup of Darts next week.
Portela, 28, left his home in Rio de Janiero to base himself in the UK as he bids to make his breakthrough in professional darts, and is the first Brazilian to compete on the PDC circuit.
Having competed at Qualifying School and on the PDC Unicorn Challenge Tour for the past two years, Portela has made his European Tour debut in 2017 and also played in the six Coral UK Open Qualifiers and a series of Players Championship events.
He also helped to organise the qualifier in his homeland which saw Sattin - a forensics expert for the Federal Police - secure his chance to compete in Frankfurt for his country next week.
"For me, Diogo is the best Brazilian player of all time," said Sattin, a 42-year-old from Brasilia. "His and his family's dedication is an example to all of us.
"Seeing a Brazilian player playing the professional league against the best players in the world is an inspiration to us all. I can’t wait to get to Germany and play on the big stage."
The Brazilian pair will open up their World Cup challenge against fellow debutants Switzerland next Friday, and Portela is also delighted to get his chance in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
"I moved to the UK to try and make my breakthrough in the sport," said Portela. "I'm so proud and honoured to represent my country at the World Cup and myself and Alexandre hope we can get off to a winning start."
Portela and Sattin will prepare for the Betway World Cup of Darts with a meet and greet at the Plumstead WMC in London on Monday May 29.
The event, organised by online darts resource "The Darts Performance Centre" - which has assisted Portela during his professional career - will also give fans the chance to take on the Brazilian duo. For more details, click here.