Hogan aiming to continue giant killing exploits on UK Open return: "Hopefully I start beating the big boys again"

Paul Hogan will make his return to the UK Open this weekend aiming to continue his giant killing exploits as a Riley's Amateur Qualifier in his first time back at Minehead since the storm back in 2018.

He got through as well in South Benfleet and holds the record according to Matthew Kiernan also known as The Darting Nerd for the most times through a Riley's Qualifier with six.

"It was a tough day, there were so many good players there. You just look around the room and go oh god, this is going to be really tough. But I played really well all day, I got through there three times at that place. I think it's a lucky venue," said Hogan to Weekly Dartscast.

"I'm very proud of it. Every time you enter, it's really hard. You've got to be focused for the day."

He reached the Last 16 in 2017 and 2018 and has always been a real danger in Minehead and wants to continue that on his return.

"I'm really looking forward to it. I'm practicing well. Hopefully I start beating the big boys again. To beat Gary Anderson and Adrian Lewis, it was a mental weekend."

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Q-School debut

Also for Hogan, he made his Q-School debut at the turn of the year among a few players that many thought would never grace the golden ticket tournament and he spoke about his thought process.

"I've always wanted to have a crack at it. I thought I'm too old, I'm 58 and the wife says just go for it, have a go at it. I went there and I didn't do too well, I think I was trying too hard to be honest. I was missing a few doubles. I just lost a bit of confidence instead of playing my own game."

He is also eligible for the World Seniors but he isn't fully sure yet whether he will give it a go with a trip to Lakeside also on the cards next month for the WDF World Championship.

"Probably a bit further on down the line. I did look at it and thought nah I'll give the World's a miss. I'm looking to have a go at the Masters playoffs."