If there was one Australian darts player who benefitted from the postponement of the World Championship earlier this year it is none other than our very own Tori Kewish.
Kewish – who lost her opening round match in the only other time she has taken part in the World Champs back in 2020, is very much looking forward to heading to Lakeside to take part in the rescheduled event in a few weeks time.
Speaking to Darts Australia, Kewish said that she is very happy with how her game is shaping up leading into the international tournament.
“Heading into the world championships I didn’t think that I would feel this okay with my game,” she said.
“I haven’t played for a while – I had a tournament last weekend and was really happy with how I played, so a couple of knicks and knacks to tighten up but I reckon I’m feeling alright.
“With the postponement of the event, a lot of people were unhappy about it. I was getting excited for it, but I wasn’t ready for January so I’m kind of glad it got postponed to give me a little bit more time to get ready and take a little bit more seriously.”
Kewish will begin her campaign at the event up against Scot and world number nine Lorraine Hyde, a player that our Aussie hopeful knows intimately.
“It’s funny – me and Lorraine are actually really really good friends and we are usually rooming together when we go away, so when we found out that we were playing each other in the first round we had a bit of a giggle.
“She’s a fantastic player, she’s a very solid high scoring player, so I’m just hoping to keep up with her scoring and just finish it off just before she does, but definitely going to be a hard game for me, that’s for sure.”
Kewish believes that the relationship will make the match-up feel somewhat stange, expecting to have fun before and after the game while being focussed on winning up on the oche.
“I think we will both be pretty focussed because we will both be pretty nervous, so I think the adrenaline will be there and nothing else will really matter once we are up there,” she said.
“Before we go up there I’m sure we’ll be laughing and carrying on and I’m sure once we are off – whoever wins, it’s going to be the same, so that’s the perks of playing a friend when you are up there.
“But you definitely not friends when you’re up on that stage, so I am really looking forward to it.”
There is something so special about achieving the dream of playing in a tournament at the Lakeside, and Kewish said that it is something that she is really looking forward to. She also said she has a plan so she does not get overawed by the significance of the moment.
“You kind of underestimate it until you’re there I think.
“I know it’s huge and it’s something that everyone amateur player strives for – that Lakeside stage, so I think it’s a little bit surreal at the moment.
“I’m sure once I get there it will hit me that I’m actually up on the Lakeside stage, and you’re just speechless – you can’t really describe it I don’t think.
“So I think the key is to try and get up on that stage beforehand and have a throw and soak it all in so then I can focus on my game and play.”
And in terms of representing the Green and Gold? Kewish is very much looking forward to showcasing Australian darts to the world, and wears the badge of being an Australian with pride.
“No matter how you go – if you win or if you lose – the Australians stick together and we are a very very close family – especially the darts family.
“So I get so much support and there’s nothing better than representing your country and seeing that flag next to your name.”
Brought to you by the World Darts Federation, the WDF World Championships will take place from 2-10 April 2022. Darts Australia will keep you updated on the Aussies in action via our website and social media pages.
