"It’s the first time I’ve actually believed in myself": Emotional Keegan Brown shares delight at return to form at MODUS Super Series

Keegan Brown won the second week of the MODUS Super Series 12 last Saturday. 'The Needle' proved too strong for Dutchman Jimmy van Schie in the final, winning 4-2.

Brown experienced an evening that he himself describes as 'unreal' and 'indescribable'. After an impressive victory in the MODUS Super Series, in which he defeated his opponent in the final with guts, willpower and pure class, Brown showed why he is still considered one of the fighters of the darts world. It was not just any victory; it was the embodiment of perseverance after a period he himself describes as "two and a half terrible years".

Reflecting on the contest, Brown was full of praise for his opponent. The match against Van Schie seemed to be turning in his opponent's favour at several points. Brown was level at 2-2 and later admitted that only a brilliantly executed 129 finish before hitting two single 18's and a bull to win it 4-2. He also hit a 152 at 1-1.

“I think I showed a bit of bottle,” he said. “Speechless, to be fair. How good is Jimmy? How good is Jimmy? At 1-1, the only thing that saved me was the 152 – two double 18s and a bullseye. But that’s what I had to do to beat him. I’m lost for words. Absolutely lost for words.”

For the neutral spectator, it was a spectacular match to enjoy: high level, excitement until the end and Brown standing tall at the crucial moments. For the player himself, however, it felt like much more than just a victory.

The victory clearly carried an emotional weight for Brown, who has endured difficult times away from the oche in recent years. “Obviously my wife’s here, so she knows what I’m going through, but it’s been a horrendous two and a half years,” he revealed. “For me, just to play darts at a good level again means so much.”

Asked if he ever feared nights like this might never come again, Brown explained how his resilience kept him pushing forward. “To be fair, I’ve always had the attitude of just don’t give in,” he said. “If you give yourself a fighting chance and get yourself to a double… that’s what I did. I just thought, I don’t mind if I just hit 140, 180 – just give yourself a chance. And I did it. It’s the first time I’ve actually believed in myself. Speechless.”

Attention now turns to Champions Week, and Brown is relishing the challenge. “As The Rock would say – just bring it. Just bring it, just bring it,” he laughed. “I’ve always wanted to play darts, but when something happens and you can’t play as good as you know you can, it frustrates you. And do you know what? I played well tonight, so who’s to say I can’t win it?”

The darts world has often seen players make a comeback after personal or professional setbacks. Think of Raymond van Barneveld, who is chasing titles again after his return, or Gary Anderson, who regained his sharpness after a dip in form. For Keegan Brown, this victory could be a similar turning point.

It is not only the victory itself that counts, but especially the way in which it came about: fighting against the pressure, finding the perfect finish at the right moment and then the emotional release. These are ingredients that touch darts enthusiasts and make players themselves realise why they ever started playing the game.

What makes Brown's story so special is the human side that resonates in every word he spoke afterwards. His acknowledgement of the difficult period, his gratitude towards his wife and the pure emotion on stage made him more than just a darts player that evening: he was a human being who found his way back to faith and confidence.