"Proud" Diogo Portela reflects on PDC World Championship qualification

Diogo Portela will be back on the Ally Pally stage at the PDC World Championship.

A year on from making his mark in London, the Brazilian will take another tilt at the PDC's premier event. Back in his native Brazil, Portela saw off James Walkin and Roberto Tonini to set up a final with Sudesh Fitzgerald. The match was finely poised at 4-4, but the Challenge Tour star broke at a crucial moment, holding his nerve to claim that coveted World Championship spot. "Well, what to say.... I’m very proud to be qualified again for Ally Pally," Portela said in a Facebook post following his win. "A year with big ups and downs, this weekend was definitely another up. "For those whom know me closer know how much I’ve been struggling recently with my darts mainly with my grip, but I did put a lot of effort during the summer break and managed to put my game back to a decent level." 'Braziliant' made waves at the World Cup of Darts, and was a popular figure at the World Championship. The 30-year-old maintained a solid 91 average across four sets, but lost 3-1 to world number two Peter Wright. Portela wants to hit those high notes again. Portela added: "I’m very determined to work even harder to put my game back to the top level. I’ve got 3 months to do so..." Portela also took a swipe at his Brazilian counterparts. World Cup of Darts Bruno Rangel made the semi-finals, losing to Guyana's Fitzgerald. But he did have kind words to spare for his family. "For those Brazilians that have been inviting foreign players to come and beat me, you’ll have to do a lot better - why don’t you start practicing and do yourself? You lot are a disgrace for your country!" he jibed. "For my wife and family, nothing else to say but I’m so proud and love you all! Thanks for the support!!!"