WORLD DARTS: Daryl Gurney is heading to Las Vegas

Waterside darts player Daryl '˜SuperChin' Gurney's professional career continues to grow and grow.
Daryl Gurney is heading to Las Vegas to compete in the US Masters competition.Daryl Gurney is heading to Las Vegas to compete in the US Masters competition.
Daryl Gurney is heading to Las Vegas to compete in the US Masters competition.

The 30-year-old, who celebrates his birthday in a few weeks’ time, produced a career best to reach the semi-final of the UK Open Darts Championship on Sunday, in Minehead; then on Monday he received a wild card spot at the PDC U.S. Masters in Las Vegas.

Gurney was given the perfect pick-me-up, after losing to eventual UK Open winner Peter Wright 11-5 in the last four, when PDC chairman Barry Hearn confirmed that he - along with Gerwyn Price and Max Hopp - are going to make their PDC World Series of Darts debuts.

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Hearn said: “It was our intention to inject fresh blood into the World Series of Darts this year, and this is a fantastic opportunity for Gerwyn, Daryl and Max to showcase their talents on a global stage.

“We’re trying to grow professional darts worldwide through the World Series, but we also want to increase the opportunities available for top PDC players.

“Gerwyn performed brilliantly to reach the UK Open final on Sunday and has shown that he’s got the ability under pressure to mix it with the biggest names in darts.

“Daryl was talked about as a potential candidate for the Premier League this year following his progress, and Max has already gained incredible experience despite being just 20.

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“This is a great chance for all three now to show that they belong amongst the biggest names in the sport like Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson.”

The US Masters will take place in the Tropicana Casino Hotel Resort, Las Vegas from July 14-15 with Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, Peter Wright, Adrian Lewis, Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld, Gurney and Hopp all competing.

After his semi-final defeat to Wright, the ‘SuperChin’ admitted he knows what he needs to do to reach that next level.

“Fair play to Peter; what separates the men from the boys was his finishing, and week-in week-out playing on TV in the Premier League like he showed there,” said Gurney.

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“That’s where I need to improve and that’s where the standard is.

“It’s a good weekend and any semi-final in the PDC shows that you’re getting there. I’m glad to get to the semi-final, but you do want to get to the final and see how you get on.

“I know what I have to do to improve, and it’s a matter of doing it and making sure I do it week-in week-out and try to beat top 16 players at every chance I can.”

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