Hamilton set for PDC World Championship return: “My two years at the BDO helped me to regain my love for darts”

Andy Hamilton will make his long awaited PDC World Darts Championship return as the journey back to the higher echelons continues for ‘The Hammer’.

Hamilton spoke ahead of his return and admitted his BDO stint was a major factor in helping him love the game again.

“Over the years I had to deal with a lot of personal problems, which made the darts even more difficult,” said Hamilton to RTLnieuws.

“In August 2016 I switched to manufacturer XQMax and I can say that that was not the happiest step. There was never really a problem with my darts, but my mind was no longer with the darts. My two years at the BDO helped me to regain my love for darts. As a result, I will play the World Championship this year as a happy man. "

Hamilton also discussed the PDC response to Coronavirus and for the former World finalist, he praised them while also saying his lockdown hasn’t been that bad personally.

"The PDC has performed great. We were offered the opportunity to play Players Championships in the UK and Germany, they organized a few Euro Tour tournaments, even some major tournaments and it even became possible to play from our own home. The PDC therefore deserves all appreciation for what has been achieved in these special times. "

"For me personally, the Coronavirus period is not going badly. I miss meeting family and friends, but otherwise I'm fine. My girlfriend and I have watched many series on Netflix and enjoy trying new recipes. We now have plenty of time for that too. “

Hamilton who is taking part in a World Championship for the fifteenth time, will play against German talent Nico Kurz in the first round. "I don't know him that well, but I do know that he did very well at the World Championship last year. I expect it to be a great match."

Hamilton may have a meeting with Gabriel Clemens in the second round. “Gabriel is doing very well in the PDC, but I am a lot more experienced than he is. If I can play my best game, I see no reason why I should not be able to beat him.