Mensur Suljovic is bidding to end a difficult year on a high by ending an unwanted record at the William Hill World Championship.
Former Champions League of Darts winner Suljovic has the chance to progress past the third round at London’s Alexandra Palace for the first time when he takes on Gary Anderson on Monday evening.
The Austrian ace was famously beaten in the second round by Fallon Sherrock last year and has failed to make it past the last 32 in 12 attempts.
Suljovic has won seven PDC titles, including two last year, but has endured a challenging 2020 with a run of poor results and has missed events including the Players Championship Finals during the campaign as he dropped out of the top 16.
However, the 48-year-old won his opening World Championship match for the first time in three years by defeating Matthew Edgar 3-1 before Christmas in impressive fashion, and is in positive mood ahead of the tie with Anderson.
“Ally Pally is not normally my tournament but I played well so I hope this year will be different,” said Suljovic.
“This year has been really hard for me. I have had to miss a lot of tournaments this year. I hope next year is better.
“There has been coronavirus and there have been a few problems in my family. I will always put my family first and darts second. But hopefully now and next year I can focus just on darts.
“It was hard for me being here and I missing my family at Christmas but I practiced. I’ve practiced every day and I am here for them.”
Suljovic also revealed that he has been seeing a sports psychologist in a bid to recapture his form after being motivated by a chance comment from his 13-year-old son, Tarik.
“My son told me that I am not focused enough,” added Suljovic. “He even said he thinks that my career might be finished but I told him I am going to focus for the next five years.
“My mental coach has helped me to focus only on my game. I am focused on this tournament and I am looking forward to playing Gary Anderson.”
Monday December 28
Evening Session (1800 GMT)
3x Third Round
Gary Anderson v Mensur Suljovic
Gerwyn Price v Brendan Dolan
Glen Durrant v Danny Baggish