Stephen Burton pre-World Championship Interview: “I’m definitely not there to make up the numbers”

Stephen Burton has been in good form over the last few months and has qualified for this year’s PDC World Championship as part of the 96 player field.

Dartsnews.com recently caught up with him to discuss about qualification for the PDC World Championship and ahead of it he is really excited.
“I’m really excited to get on the Ally Pally stage and can’t wait, it’s every dart players dream to play at the World Championship”, said the Suffolk ace who will take on another in form player in Ryan Searle.

He had to come through the PDPA Qualifier to gain his spot and for Burton, he said his run in Minehead recently gave him confidence for it.
”The qualifier was good played some solid stuff, and coming off the back of that good run at the players championship definitely gave me confidence for that qualifier.”

He added: “Being on the big stage at Minehead against MVG will put me in good stead next week.”

Next season

Despite qualification for the World Championship, Burton could lose his Tour Card at the turn of the year. He sees it as two wins to retain but that he doesn’t want to just make up the numbers.

“I think two wins may be enough to retain the Tour Card. That’s the initial aim, but obviously I want to go further. I’m definitely not there to make up the numbers.”

Finally he spoke of his goals for 2019 and beyond and admitted now he has had a taste of the big stage it’s something he wants more of.

“My goals are just to play darts at the highest level which is the PDC. If I have to go back to Q-School, I’m confident of getting another Tour Card. The aim is to be a full time professional dart player. I have had a little taste of being on the big stage and under the spotlight. It was something I want more off”

Interview conducted by Samuel Gill, writer for DartsNews.com.