(INTERVIEW) Berry van Peer close to debut at World Championship: "I've had moments where I thought, is it still worth it?"

Berry van Peer struggled with dartitis six years ago, which has forced him to have several difficult years.

But as of this year, the Dutchman has found the right form, is on the verge of obtaining his tour card with the PDC and thus qualifying himself for next year's World Darts Championship.

Dartitis

During his time with dartitis, Van Peer faced criticism from other players. "Some players thought I did it on purpose if I won against them then. That I deliberately slowed down, while I've actually always been a fast player. I like to throw on at a nice pace." He didn't care about that criticism, however, and after a few difficult years in darts, Van Peer now has the good feeling again. "I also had moments when I thought, is it still worth it and can I still get rid of it? But fortunately through a lot of training and the positivity of important people around me it went better and better."

This year Van Peer narrowly missed out on his tour card at Q-School, even though he had done everything he could for it. "That was really heartbreaking, I had trained so hard for it and when you fail so narrowly, it really sucks. I blacked out and I was so angry. After that I actually changed my mindset and told myself that I could never again get so angry about a game of darts and I just had to focus completely on myself. And after Q-school it finally all fell my way for once."

Dutch Open

So at the beginning of this year, Van Peer won his first major, namely the Dutch Open. A dream come true, especially since it was in his own country. "As a youth player I already thought I wanted to be on that stage one day. And to win this tournament in my own country in front of my own audience is indescribable. Also against a Belgian, Andy Baetens, which of course is always a bit of a battle."

On the Challenge Tour, Van Peer is also doing very well this year. With four titles to his name already, the Dutchman is well ahead of the rest, which means he is very close to getting his tour card and a spot on this year's World Championship. "I actually hope to win one more tournament, because I don't think any player has ever won five before. But of course the main thing is that I just perform well in the last tournaments and manage to keep my lead, that's the most important thing for me."

Alexandra Palace

Van Peer previously missed the World Championship by a hair. This year may finally be the year he gets to show off at the Alexandra Palace. "It can't really go wrong anymore this year. I am in such good shape now that I can almost certainly say that I will make it to the World Championship. And that, of course, is a dream come true for me. I think for everyone the World Championship is the biggest dream of all to be able to play."

And whatever the result may be at the World Championship, Van Peer doesn't really even care that much. "Of course I want to try to get as far as possible. But what matters most to me is that I can show myself, and that I can show that I belong there. Then for me personally it doesn't necessarily matter how far I get, if I just reach my level I think I can be a dangerous player."

As for the future, Van Peer does not want to look too far ahead. "My main goal is actually to get some good results on the Pro Tour, and to get some Euro Tours. Then we'll see what other tournaments are further attainable. As I said before, for me it's mainly about showing that I just belong there and that I can reach my own level. Sometimes it might be good to lose your tour card, just look at Dirk (van Duijvenbode). He throws really well since he regained his tour card, I think that's a great example to watch."

There is a good chance that we will see Van Peer more often at the big PDC tournaments starting next year. And if he is able to keep up the form he is in now, Van Peer could also be a dangerous player to win several tournaments.