Former World Champion Christian Kist aims for return to PDC Tour after overcoming injury

After a number of good years on the PDC circuit, Christian Kist lost his PDC Tour Card at the end of 2019 mainly due to injuries.

Stubborn gout attacks (inflammation in joints) made it impossible for him to maintain form on the tour. But things are going a lot better with Kist, who hopes to be able to participate in Q-School in February to regain his Tour Card.

By treating the gout attacks, the chronic injury is under control, he says in an interview with Dartsnews. “I had recurring gout in my fingers, elbows, knees and feet. I have now received a high dose of medication and that all works well, '' explains the former Lakeside champion.

Kist is not the only player on the darts circuit who suffers from gout. “Michael van Gerwen has it too and I have spoken to him about it once. Michael knew exactly how I felt. For example, if you have it on your feet, you cannot walk on it. ''

Van Gerwen and Kist faced each other in the first round during the 2018 World Darts Championship. This high-quality match - both players threw above a hundred average - but was won 3-1 by Van Gerwen.

After a strong season in 2017, in which Kist participated in the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix, a lot was therefore expected from The Lipstick in 2018. But especially in the first few months of 2018, he had to deal with many gout attacks.

Kist managed to gather little prize money that season and began to drop in the world rankings. ''After that, I was throwing quite reasonably in the beginning of 2019, but then it subsided. Then I lost my Tour Card at the end of 2019.”

Kist wants that coveted Tour Card back. That is why he plans to participate in Q-School, for which he is still looking for a number of sponsors. In the meantime, The Lipstick is practicing hard.

“My form is good now," added Kist. ''I practice a lot during the day, about three to four hours a day. Sometimes also with other players who go to Q-School. ''

Barney’s return

At the Q-School, he is alongside five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld, who will start his comeback there. ''I like that in itself. He has put darts on the map in the Netherlands after all. I don't know if I would have done it if I was in his position, but I do have a lot of respect for him'' said Kist about the return of his compatriot, who he expects to win a Tour Card.

"With his experience and status it should actually work. It is becoming increasingly difficult, because the level is getting higher." Would Kist like to play against him at Q-School? "Maybe on the last day. If I'm high enough in the ranking. No without playing around, it's always fun to play against him. Two world champions against each other."