Durrant's bid to claim a third successive Lakeside title started with in round one. Once his attempt to become BDO world champion is over, he'll be heading to Q-School with the aim of picking up a Tour Card. Speaking to , the Teessider shared his excitement at the challenges to come. "The entry is in," said Durrant. "I'm really excited for Q School. I've been to Barnsley and Wigan a few times to acclimatise myself, but people have told me that's nothing compared to Q School. "There's talk of 800-1000 entries but I've had a text message to say maybe that's a bit on the high side. "However many there are, it's going to be a bit different to any other open tournament I've played in before but I'm there to try and get my Tour Card and we'll go from there."
The man from Middlesbrough is at a major career crossroads. He may be quitting his full-time job after 30 years to chase the darting dream. Or it could be business as usual, if Q-School doesn't pan out. It all means that the coming weeks will be monumental. "If I sat and thought what January is for me, I would crumble," Durrant admitted. "One option is, I could be a three-time Lakeside Champion next week. I could get my Tour Card and that would have major implications on sponsorship, management and work. "The alternative is I could bomb out, not get my Tour Card, and there's big changes at work with structures. "So who knows what January is all about?"
"I've got a seven-year plan. I don't really want to do anything after the age of 55, so a seven-year plan is what I'm looking at," explained the 48-year-old.
"I wish I was 25 and physically fit, I feel the aches and pains. I'm around the same age as Gary Anderson, and he's saying how much of a toll it's taking on his body, I'm talking about doing another seven years.
"I believe in my ability. Who knows what the future's going to be?
"I've got a couple of sponsorship deals and management deals if I get a Tour Card. Compared to what I get as a BDO player, it's three or four times higher in figures."