"I no longer carry the surprise package": Soutar admits expectations change after reaching top 32

Alan Soutar has moved into the top 32 of the PDC Order of Merit after a strong end to 2022 reaching the Quarter-Finals of the Grand Slam of Darts and Last 16 of PDC World Darts Championship.

However he won't rest on his laurels and admits the target on his back gets bigger and he can no longer float under the radar.

“It’s nice to be in the top 32 but it doesn’t really get me anything," he told The Courier.

“It’s a milestone. Think about ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’ When a contestant reaches a milestone people think: ‘That’s great.’ But they haven’t won the £1 million yet.

“My initial aim is to stay in the top 32 before the UK Open in March and secure a fourth round starting place.

“I also want to get to other events I’ve never experienced. It would be nice to qualify for the World Matchplay or the World Grand Prix.

“There’s no doubt my profile has risen considerably in the last two years," he continued.

“I’ve played darts for over 30 years and people already knew me within the game.

"I no longer carry the surprise package and, for the first time, I’m now defending money on the rankings.

“I won’t think about that though. I’ll play my game and see where it takes me.”