“I’m no longer a top-16 player, and I never will be again” – Former major winner Daryl Gurney reflects with brutal honesty

Daryl Gurney has come to terms with the fact that his time as a permanent fixture among the world’s top 16 is over. The Northern Irishman, who captured two major TV titles during his career, admits that both his level and, crucially, his consistency are no longer what they once were. Still, he continues to fight to compete with the sport’s new generation – starting this week at the World Grand Prix.

Now 39, Gurney enjoyed the peak years of his career with victories at the World Grand Prix in 2017 and the Players Championship Finals in 2018. Since then, however, his name has steadily slipped down the world rankings. His last semi-final appearance at a major came at the 2020 UK Open, and this year he has managed just one quarter-final on the floor.

There has, though, been something to smile about in 2025. In June, Gurney and fellow countryman Josh Rock made history by winning the World Cup of Darts for Northern Ireland – his first title in years. The triumph added a welcome shine to his career, but Gurney is realistic enough to know it doesn’t mean he’s suddenly back among the elite.

“No, I won’t even get in the top 16,” Gurney said candidly. “To be honest, I think I’m looking now anywhere between a good year for me now, I think it was between 16 and 24. And I’m not even, I think I’m 26 or something again now. The point is, I want to get in the top 24 so I can get into the Masters for one.”

Gurney doesn’t sugar-coat his situation. “No, I think I’m not as consistent as I was for some whatever reason. And these players now, they’re super professional and they’re pushing the game on to the next level,” he explained. “I’ve always been trying to push myself up to their level. Don’t get me wrong, I can still match anybody on a good day. But how many times has any of these good days come along? It’s not often enough for me. So it’s gonna be really hard, but I would love to be on the fringes of the top 16.”

Confidence and rhythm, he admits, can be fleeting. “There’s some days, my throw doesn’t seem right and between my ears doesn’t work right,” he said with a wry grin. “And literally, if you pulled Stevie Wonder out of retirement, some days I think he could beat me, all honesty. And yeah, it’s just sometimes a struggle some days.”

Despite his frustrations, Gurney remains a familiar face on the big stages. This week marks his twelfth consecutive appearance at the World Grand Prix – the unique double-start event, now held in Leicester – where he faces the dangerous Ross Smith in the opening round.

‘Superchin’ has fond memories of the tournament. In 2017, he claimed his first major title there by defeating Simon Whitlock in the final in Dublin – a moment that marked his arrival among the world’s elite. Eight years on, the landscape is very different.

“It is really hard now for me to compete against all these youngsters,” he admitted. “But 12 years, that’s great. One of the big things I wanted to do was actually get 10 years at Blackpool. I’m not sure if I’ve done that or if that’s next year. But the plan is now, bar if a lot of miracles go against me, is really just start now and try and qualify for all next year’s events.”

Even with his ambitions realigned, Gurney’s drive remains intact. A career that once touched the heights of major glory is now defined by persistence, perspective, and a quiet pride in still being part of the sport’s elite dozen years on.