"I haven’t been able to practise because my muscles really hurt" - Ryan Joyce claims new gym regime is reason behind dip in form

Ryan Joyce admitted that sore muscles from a new fitness regime were behind his below-par performance at the Flanders Darts Trophy. Despite his struggles, the world number 24 just about battled his way into the third round in Antwerp.

‘Relentless’ looked visibly uncomfortable against Ricardo Pietreczko but eventually edged through 6-5. His first-round average of 88.36 was well below his usual standard.

“There were some really bad moments in that game. We were both miles off it,” Joyce said. “Whoever was going to lose that game was going to be frustrated that they missed a good opportunity to get through to the next round. I think I was just lucky to come out on top.”

Joyce is now guaranteed a place in the last 16 thanks to the withdrawal of Gerwyn Price, who was forced to pull out with an infected hand. At the time, though, Joyce didn’t even know.

“I didn’t know I was straight through to the last 16. I heard a few players pulled out, but Gerwyn Price was not mentioned,” he explained.

Joyce, however, could at least point to a reason for his struggles. “I’ve got an excuse for not being good, I don’t know about him,” he joked. “I’ve been trying to lose some weight. I’ve been working out and I haven’t been able to practise because my muscles really hurt after working out. I am just amazed I managed to get through that game, I think I was lucky.”

The contrast with the start of 2025 is striking. The Newcastle thrower began the year in fine form, reaching the final of the European Darts Trophy and the semi-finals of the Austrian Darts Open. But on the big TV stages, the 39-year-old’s momentum has stalled. He has failed to reach a single quarter-final in the four majors he has played this season.