Exclusive interview with Scott Baker: "I'll give it my all"

Scott Baker flew under the radar when he switched from the BDO to the PDC. A nine-darter and semi-final in his first month as a PDC player set that right.

All eyes were on former BDO top two Glen Durrant and Mark McGeeney when they made the switch. But The Mod rocked the PDC immediately, with only a Michael van Gerwen masterclass preventing him from reaching the final of his first ever Pro Tour event. It has been a baptism of fire for Baker. He told in an exclusive interview that he has settled into PDC life with some ease. "I'm very pleased with my start in the PDC," he said. "Obviously, I expected the standard to be high, but I adapted to it and raised my own game. I played the world numbers one, two and three in the first weekends, winning two out of the three. I also had a brilliant game against Dave Chisnall in Barnsley where I threw the nine-darter [at Players Championship 5]."

Stylish debut

His first day on the job, at Players Championship 1, is Baker's PDC highlight to date. John Goldie, Rob Cross, Darius Labanauskas and Stephen Burton were all brushed aside, with the four managing five legs against the Tipton thrower between them. He beat Kyle Anderson 6-3 to set up the semi-final with van Gerwen, but the reigning world champion prevailed 7-5 en route to the title.
"I wasn't sure how I would fare against the Pro Tour guys, but hit the ground running and had a brilliant first day," said Baker.
"I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would be [playing MVG]. I'd played well all day and took that momentum into the semis. I thoroughly enjoyed the match and was pleased with my performance."

Same, but different

The 32-year-old enjoyed a meteoric rise in his first couple of years as a BDO player, so much so that he was ranked 23rd for his Lakeside debut in 2018. A year on, he came closer than any player to cutting short Durrant's run to a third successive World Championship. It was after his Lakeside exit that he made the switch.
"I was asked if I wanted to try Q-School last year, but felt I needed that one more year on the BDO as I hadn't fully achieved what I wanted," he revealed.
"I had another good season, played in all the majors, and felt now is the right time.
"There are differences [between BDO and PDC darts], but to me as a player and fan of the sport, darts is darts whatever code or organisation you represent."

Grand Slam aim

It was recently revealed that Baker had cut ties with MDA Promotions, just weeks after signing on with them. "We parted amicably," was the extent of what Baker himself had to say on the matter. MDA have since shed some more light on the situation.
https://twitter.com/MDApromotions/status/1107630440695902208
Looking ahead, the proud West Midlander would love to seal a spot at the Grand Slam in Wolverhampton. Naturally, the World Championship is an even bigger draw.
"Of course it is," he responded to that suggestion.
"I'd assume that every player's main target is to be on the biggest stage in world darts.
"I would like to see my form continue and steadily improve, as there are plenty of other competitions up for grabs. Especially the Grand Slam - that one's my favourite, and also local.
I would love a go at that one."

Total focus

Baker also revealed that he would have plenty more time on the practice board from here on in, with the sport now his full-time occupation.
"I was very recently let go from my engineering job, which I think is the reason behind my performances at the last floor event," he explained.
"As of now, it's full time darts. It's given me the freedom to practice for longer and experiment with new practice games and routines, rather than chucking against my mates every now and then.
"I have never felt pressure to perform and will not let that creep into my mindset.
"I will continue to be fully focused, I'll give it my all."