Queensland’s Gordon Mathers says he’ll have to play at his best in tonight’s Round 3 clash against Australian GP number-one ranked women’s player Tori Kewish.
After starting his campaign with a 5-4 win over Victorian Mal Cuming, Mathers was defeated by fellow Queenslander Jeremy Fagg 5-3 last night.
The 38-year-old had high praise for Kewish ahead of tonight’s match-up.
“Tori has earned her spot in the field. She’s one of the better ladies players I’ve seen come out of Australia, not just in recent times but all-time,” Mathers said.
“So far I haven’t played to the standard I feel I could play, and I’ll have to play really well to win tonight’s match,” he added.
Coming into the Iso Challenge 3 against players who have competed in the two previous events, has forced Mathers to adjust with the conditions of the online format.
But he complimented the concept and is humbled at the opportunity to play against the country’s best.
“The concept is a great idea, and I’m more than happy that I got invited to play,” he said.
“The difference is not having the spectators behind you and your opponent right next to you for that adrenalin rush, but we all have to adjust.”
“But any opportunity to play against the top players in the country… I jumped at the chance!”
Round 3 action will get underway from 5:30pm (AEST) with matches broadcast live on Darts Australia’s Facebook page and My Sport Live’s livestream channel.