INTERVIEW: Labanauskas confirms Q-School move ahead of debut at PDC World Championship

Darius Labanauskas is a well known figure in darts but will be making his first appearance in the PDC World Championship later this month.

DartsNews.com had the opportunity to speak to Labanauskas about how he got into darts. We also had a chat about his debut at the Alexandra Palace and whether he will be at the Q-School in January.
On how he got into darts, the Lithuanian said it was seeing an advert in a paper for a tournament which made him take up the sport.
“I had one of those cheap dartboards hanging at my house that me and my friend would play every now and again. One day we saw an advert in a newspaper for a darts competition and decided to go. I was hooked instantly and did well for a first competition. I even took a leg from one of the best players in the country at the time! Soon after I found a local darts club to join and never looked back.”

PDC World Championship

'Lucky D' is now focused and working hard to improve ahead of his first appearance at the PDC World Championship. But his routines are unchanged since playing in the PDC this year.
“Honestly, my thoughts have not been much different than they have been for the past four years since I decided to give the BDO Tour a try. I am focused on my game. I'm working very hard to improve, and am looking forward to what the future holds.”
Labanauskas has been in lethal form in the PDC Nordic and Baltic Tour this year. Despite that, he admitted that he still wants to be playing better. He hopes that he will be able to peak at the Alexandra Palace.
“Naturally, I always want to be in better form than I am, no matter how good I'm playing. Than being said, though, I am playing well lately. Hopefully I will be able to peak at the World Championship.”

European Tour

The Lithuanian became a regular fixture on the European Tour this year. He said he loves the atmosphere and was good preparation for the World’s.
“I love the atmosphere there. The Euro Tour has provided loads of great memories this year, putting some good wins under my belt and getting used to PDC competition. I feel like playing in the Euro Tour was very important for me in order to prepare for my debut at the Worlds as now I know for sure that I can compete with everyone out there,” said Labanauskas.

Q-School

This year was the Lithuanian ace’s first foray into PDC darts having played mostly BDO. When asked about Q-School, he confirmed he will be attending and that even if he doesn’t gain a Tour Card he will continue on playing PDC events. “I am going to Q-School this year. I've already played a lot less BDO events this year, focusing mostly on the PDCNB events. Hopefully I will be able to secure a Tour Card this January. Even if I don't I will most likely still be looking to play as many PDC tournaments as I can.” Interview conducted by Samuel Gill, writer for DartsNews.com.

Photo: David Gill/DG Media