"I have experience here, and on stage I think I can win something big" – Madars Razma ready for Van Veen World Darts Championship test

Madars Razma has once again shown why he has become a mainstay at the World Darts Championship. The Latvian reached the third round at Alexandra Palace for the third year running, and did so with what was perhaps his best performance yet on this stage.

With an average above 97, an impressive 59 percent on the doubles, and a rock-solid comeback in the deciding set, Razma underlined his status as a dangerous outsider.

“Yeah, it’s an amazing feeling, believe me,” Razma said afterwards. “Of course, I came back from Latvia after the first-round win to fight for another win, and this is a really great feeling.”

The manner of Razma’s victory gave him at least as much satisfaction as the result itself. In the final set he trailed 2–0, but stayed calm and turned the match completely around.

“I already heard, yeah, it was the best performance from me on this stage,” he said. “But I felt well, I felt well. I can’t say, of course, I expected something like this, but I felt well and I’m happy with my performance. I know I can play at this level.”

That confidence was evident on stage, where Razma looked composed and assured under pressure. His finishing, in particular, stood out throughout the match.

Looking ahead, Razma will briefly return home before round three. “Yeah, of course, I’m going home tomorrow morning,” he explained. “After Christmas I will be back, and this is the best feeling I can be in the World Championship.”

The support he receives from Latvia continues to mean a great deal to him. “Family gives me positive doping — positive emotions,” Razma said. “There was a great celebration at my son’s school during my day break. I got positive emotions and it’s always good to see my family.”

His son, in particular, provides extra motivation. “He sent me a message just before the game, and it’s something emotional for me,” Razma revealed. “I’m sure he’s so happy.”

While Christmas will be spent with his family, Razma has no intention of stepping away from the practice board completely. “I will practise during Christmas as well,” he said. “Because this is my chance — I believe in myself.”

He was also open about how his preparation has changed in recent months. “I know I didn’t practise darts all this season,” Razma admitted. “But the last few months I was practising more. Not like ever, but I was practising enough.”

That balance between rest and work is something he feels comfortable managing. “I know how to share my time for family and for darts,” he said. “Sometimes your hand doesn’t feel right, but you go on stage, there’s adrenaline, and you forget all problems. You just go and throw and fight for the win.”

Another tough test awaits in the third round, where Razma is set to face tenth seed Gian van Veen.

“With Gian as well, we always play quality games against each other,” Razma said. “The next round should be so quality.”

Razma relishes the challenge of facing the game’s elite. “Oh, I love to play against the best players because there’s extra motivation,” he said. “I have experience here, and on stage I think I can win something big.”

He is also aware of the specific challenge Van Veen presents. “He’s a quick player, he’s a fast player,” Razma explained. “Sometimes too fast for me. Today I felt it as well — it was a bit too quick. That’s how I have to manage the game time.”

Beyond his performances on the big stage, Razma continues to play an important role in the development of darts back home. Together with his family, he runs a darts shop in Latvia and sees first-hand how the sport is growing.

“I can feel how darts is growing up in Latvia,” he said. “If you win, there is more attention from media in Latvia and from young players.”

He hopes his success can inspire the next generation. “Hopefully there will be another Razma from Latvia in years later,” he added with a smile.

“But for now,” he joked, “I would like to stay Madars Razma myself.”