Aidan's Dublin Diary - Double Dutch Barney and MVG

Posted: 08.10.13 in Tournament Analysis Blog category

Aidan chatted to the dynamic Dutch duo in Dublin!

Aidan Farrelly will be chatting exclusively for the Darts Performance Centre with the winners from each Round One tie in this year’s PartyPoker World Grand Prix in Dublin. We want to know how each player approaches the treacherous double start competition, how they compose their nerves, and any other performance related tips along the way.

Barney

“There was a lot of pressure in that result tonight. For the fans who were texting me, I cannot lose.

“Stuart beat me a couple of weeks ago. So when the draw came out for this I was nervous.

“I was practising alot before this. But maybe I need to look at that. Three hours before a game might be too much. It’s hard when you’re not sure when you play.

“A lot of players around me practise so hard around me on doubles. I don’t. I just stick on the 20’s and bulls. I don’t really change from that.

“You can practise a lot on doubles, but the strength of it lies in your head.

Darts Performance Centre Analysis

I started to feel guilty last night when it was revealed “the illness” I had dismissed as Barney getting his excuses in early was in fact a potential heart complaint. Dave quizzed Barney about his health scare and as the truth emerged my guilt vanished.

It was in fact the over exuberant attention of a male masseuse that had been pressing too hard just below Barney’s shoulder. Barney woke the next day to find that he had an ache in the upper chest area and popped to the hospital to make sure it was nothing serious! It wasn't!

Good news!

Michael van Gerwen

“I think I can still do better. It was a brilliant start to this tournament. To throw a 105 average in the first game, I am happy with that.

“I know what I can do. And knowing that means I am one leg in front all the time. You need to believe in yourself.

“I want to keep playing like this. It’s not that easy. Next up against Raymond van Barneveld, it will take my A game to win it.

“I am a winner. I want to win every tournament. If it’s a Pro Tour event, or a game down the pub, I want to win every game. Televised or not. If I am playing Monopoly, I still want to win.

“It’s not easy when you are here as defending champion. Self-belief is crucial. I think I did very well tonight. I am very pleased with the performance.

“I just practise normally, maybe a little more on the doubles in the lead up to this but not really. I just trust the game that I have.

Darts Performance Centre Analysis

Mighty Mike was back to his best! His winning mentality burns through in his chat with Aidan. 105 average and 47% on the check outs, stunning performance! 

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Meet Aidan

Aidan has been a fan of darts since a young age, although he didn't pick up his first set if arrows until he was 23. In that time, Aidan has been dedicated to finding out what it takes to become a professional. He plays with two club teams in his County in Ireland.

Aidan documents his ups and downs of improving his game, and explores some of the unknown, yet crucial elements of darts such as nerves, confidence and much much more.

Aidan teamed up with the Darts Performance Centre ahead of his battle with Raymond van Barneveld 12 months ago, a relationship which he admits has "helped me to focus on certain areas that needed improvement, and the support from Paul and Andy guarantees will make you a better dart player".

Aidan throws a 23g DPC Elite Performance dart. He loves to tell people that he has now lost count of the amount of 180s he has thrown. His highest checkout in a competitive leg is 130, and the closest he has come to a perfect leg was two maximums before crippling under pressure to finish out with a 15 dart leg.

His plan is simple: to be a Pro! Follow his journey right here!

Aidan welcomes any feedback, advice or questions. You can find him on twitter: @A_Farrelly or email: throwlikeaprodarts@gmail.com