Edinburgh’s Andrew Davidson, 29, has been included as 15th seed for the WDF World Darts Championship at Lakeside Country Club, Frimley Green, and will start his campaign after a first round bye on 3 December.
First-time inclusion for what the former postman describes as “the biggest event of my career” reflects strong progress over the past year.
“Things have been going well and if I bring my strongest game, yes, I could win the (£50k) first prize” says Andrew who although unable to defend his Malta Masters title reels off a string of deep runs into tournaments.
These include the Swiss Open final when he had three match darts before letting a 4-2 lead slip to a 4-5 final defeat.
Other recent results include:
*semi-finals of the Hungarian Masters, Swedish and Finnish Masters.
* Swiss Open quarter final
“I haven’t won any titles like the Modus Super Series in Portsmouth which earned me £4200 in 2024 but there have certainly been a few near misses” adds Andrew whose upbeat mood is partly governed by a January rendezvous with the qualifying school which could eventually lead to a place ithe highly prestigious Alexandra Palace-staged world darts championship with its £1million first prize and featuring the likes of teenage sensation, Luke Littler.
“So much of the spectacular boom in darts popularity is down to Mr Littler as everywhere I go I see youngsters playing and practising.
“It was watching the Frimley Green tournament on television that inspired me to throw myself into darts but to earn a tour card and get to Ally Pally would be something else.”
First though Andrew has to iron out a few fitness issues.
“I’ve been seeing a physio about a piece of botched wisdom tooth dentistry which has left me with nerve damage down the jaw line.
“Also, I have to ensure my shoulder and (right) throwing arm remain loose as I am a particularly hard thrower.
“You see, darts players, like a lot of sportsmen or sportswomen, have to look after themselves as well!
“Here it helps that one of my sponsors. Oakfield Chiropractors, have given me three free massages in return for a sticker on my shirt while I also have the backing of the Ship Inn, Dalkeith.”
Success over the next few weeks could lift Herioter Andrew to a whole new sporting level with his opening Frimley Green encounter on Saturday, 3 December set to be broadcast on Welsh language channel S4C and also Youtube around 7.30pm.
