"Don’t think there’s a lot of people out there that want to draw me": Sniper Scutt gains fear factor on the oche

Connor Scutt remains optimistic that his good form will soon translate into more victories on the PDC Pro Tour. The world number 59 reached the last 32 of the UK Open, where he recorded convincing wins over Berry van Peer and Gerwyn Price.

His victory over "The Iceman" was particularly impressive: Scutt recorded an average of 99.62 and closed the match with a sublime 121-checkout in a thrilling 10-9 victory.

The 28-year-old, nicknamed "The Sniper," already reached a ProTour final and the quarterfinals of the Players Championship Finals last year. Now he is convinced he is playing up to his best level ever.

“I honestly think that’s top," said Scutt on his Gerwyn Price win."I had one good game at the Grand Slam against Chizzy. A good game against Haupai Puha at the World’s as well. But I think that game ranks really highly because Gezzy is good under that pressure.  

Scutt knows his statistics underscore his good form. “I’m playing some really good stuff at the minute. I know I’m top 10 of the last 200 legs played in the PDC. I have the most ton-plus averages in that top 10 as well.”

Despite his strong play, Scutt had a tough start to the season. He was eliminated in the preliminary round of the Winmau World Masters and was eliminated in the first round at three of the four Players Championship tournaments.

Still, he remains positive. “I’m not getting the results. I’ve only qualified for one EuroTour and I have won only two games on the ProTour so far.  For me if I’m performing well, I will stay happy and the wins will come.  

“I don’t think there’s a lot of people out there that want to draw me.  I’m eighth on averages on the ProTour and second on the EuroTour qualifiers. Both averaging 97.” 

After his victory over Price, Scutt notices that he has become mentally stronger. "If I had gone out a 10-4 winner It would not have felt as special as going 10-9 and breaking him in the last leg.  I think Gezzy gave it [big] for a one treble visit in there for that last leg. I hit a 180 back and there was no reaction from me. I kept my cool.  

Scutt acknowledges that he used to be more easily distracted by the emotions of his opponents. “I’m not getting as roped into stuff as I used to. Modus last year I got roped into a couple of things.  

“When I played Marvin [Van Velzen] he was giving it big for some shots so I gave it big back. I learnt then wait until the game is finished. All your energy as a reserve and carry on from there.”