INTERVIEW - O'Connor admits he lost a huge weight off his chest after Euro Tour final

O'Connor met world-number-one Michael van Gerwen in the final, but was not able to cause another upset as the Dutchman claimed his 15th title of the season. However, the final result didn't spoil the party for the 31-year-old from Limerick, who reached his final. The Irishman defeated Rob Cross, Kim Huybrechts, Mensur Suljovic and Andy Boulton on his way to the final at the European Darts Matchplay. ''It was overhelming to have beaten the world champion (Rob Cross) and a Premier League player (Mensur Suljovic) who also won the last Euro Tour event before the European Darts Matchplay'', O'Connor told when he was looking back on his performances in Hamburg. 'The Magpie' managed to get his first win against Cross in five meetings. O'Connor revealed that he used the Englishman's own advice against him. ''I was speaking to Rob the last few times when we played. He gave some great tips and invaluable advice, which I took in and put it to use it against him.'' As a result of his good performance at the European Darts Matchplay, the winner of the 2017 Tom Kirby Memorial Trophy is almost a certainty to compete at the World Championship in London. There is also a European Championship debut for O'Connor, who also the World Grand Prix race. The Irishman admits he lost alot of pressure to perform well for the rest of the season. ''I have my eyes on the European Championship now but the World Championship is what I really want to have another crack at. But yes, it takes a huge weight off my chest. I can now play with freedom and enjoy the rest of the season.''