Irishman Steve Lennon out to cause a shock at World Darts Championship

As the eyes of darts fans all over the world focus in on Alexandra Palace, Carlow native Steve Lennon is preparing to cause a few shocks after a promising 2018.

In a country where the oche draws large spectator numbers, exemplified by the PDC’s annual visits for the Premier League and Grand Prix, Lennon is among the top throwers.

“I would have started when I was younger, I used to go to a pub in Carlow,” he recalls. “My father and brother used to play pool. You used to put a euro [coin] down and wait to be called, so I just used to play darts that way through boredom really.

“Before long I realised I was actually good at it. So one of the lads who used to throw with me in the pub got me involved with the county team. I went on from there, started playing a tournament here and there and just started getting to know a few more people. That was it really.”

Life has moved quickly for the 25-year-old, who is looking to finish his second full year on the pro tour with a bang. Lennon is hoping to raise more eyebrows in the 2019 World Championship after pushing then-13th seed Michael Smith close in the opening round 12 months ago. The Carlow native stood up to the Bully Boy. Despite going two sets down, he battled his way back to 2-2 before ultimately losing 3-2.

“I thought it was a good game,” reflects the Irishman. “It was a great experience and it went in the blink of an eye, the whole game. I’m hoping that experience stands to me this year now.”

The experience of mixing it with one of the world’s best players will undoubtedly stand the 25-year-old in good stead, and while playing at the biggest event on the calendar brings with it its own challenges, he relishes the challenge of playing in front of the big crowds.

“I actually love playing on stage,” he commented. “I love playing on stage. It’s a great experience, great atmosphere. Everyone just focuses in on their darts.”

In the intervening year, Lennon has quietly gone about his business as he aims to work his way up the rankings, building on a promising first season on the tour.

A major milestone came in May at the Dutch Darts Masters as he beat Mensur Suljović and Kim Huybrechts to reach the decider which he ultimately lost to Michael van Gerwen.

“I didn’t play well that week, but it was known that I was able to win games under pressure and get far in the tournament,” he recalls. “That gave me a good bit of confidence.

“Most of the time I was always getting to the second, third round. To actually get to a final was huge for me. Qualifying was hard enough but to actually get to a final was great.”

MvG beats Lennon in Dutch Darts Masters final

While MvG won that final 8-5, Lennon has taken learnings from coming up against the world’s best: “[I must] try and play my own game. I play differently against him. Every time I’m against him, I probably think too much. So if I play him again I need to change my ways of playing against him.

“I kind of put too much pressure on myself in the first few legs. You know if he gets too far ahead of you, if you don’t take your chances at the start and he gets too far ahead of you, the game is nearly over at that stage. He’s a good front-runner. I just need to relax a bit and play my own game.”

The main challenge is to not let the pressure get to you, and Lennon elected not to travel to London until Monday afternoon, with his first-round game taking place on Tuesday evening: “There’s no point in hanging around over there. It’s easier to practice at home.

“I try not to think about it (pressure). I just block out anything that surrounds you in certain ways.

“I’m still trying to get more stage experience. I’ve done well this year to qualify for most of the majors, but… I just bring my normal game to the main stage and I’ll be happy.”

He opens his account against 49-year-old Australian James Bailey on Tuesday evening, live on Sky Sports, and while the Irishman starts as favourite to progress to take on 2015 quarter-finalist Alan Norris in the second round, Lennon is focused on the task at hand.

“I’m trying not to underestimate him. I don’t really know much about James Bailey. I’m still trying to treat him the same way as I would a top player. I’m still trying to play my best game. You wouldn’t know what to expect from him.”

From there, he knows he can mix it with the best if he hits form.

“I’ll try to get past the first game anyway. I’ll take it one game at a time. Anything is possible if you play your best game.”

Sixteen days of coverage continues through until the final on New Year’s Day and you can stay up to date with the action behind the scenes by following us @SkySportsDarts and getting all the latest news previews and interviews at www.skysports.com/darts

(c) Sky News 2018: Irishman Steve Lennon out to cause a shock at World Darts Championship