INTERVIEW: Carolissen discusses PDC World Championship debut and effect of Petersen's success

Cameron Carolissen is one of 20 debutants set for their debut at this year’s PDC World Darts Championship with ‘The Javelin’ coming through a tough field at the African Qualifier.

The 24-year old defeated Charles Losper in the final who has previously competed twice at the Alexandra Palace as well as the likes of Masande Mgedeza and Graham Filby in a tough draw but he pinned 112 to win through 7-4.

He caught up with DartsNews this past week to discuss the Qualifier and the confidence this has given him as he heads onto the big stage for the first time.

“It was so amazing, I closed 112 and I still said today that it was probably the best double 16 I’ve hit in my darting career,” said Carolissen to DartsNews.

But going through the knockout round was tough for me because I had the toughest draw in the tournament. I played against guys who have played on the PDC stage, like Nolan Arendse, Vernon Bouwers, Charles Losper, Graham Filby. So those are the players that have played in the World Championship and partnered with Devon (Petersen) in the World Cup so it was tough.”

“Knowing what I was up against but telling myself if I can pull through in this draw. For me, that is good enough for me to tell myself that this is the calibre, this is the quality that you need to be to go to the World Championship.”

Two South Africans in World Championship field for first time

Due to the brilliance this past year of Devon Petersen, Carolissen is one of two players from South Africa at this year’s showpiece event and he spoke about the effect of his success and how it is motivating not only himself but other South African darts players.

“It’s massive, us darts players in South Africa, we’ve been striving and trying our best to actually put our names out there especially in the PDC. We don’t really have a circuit here in South Africa so it is more an annual event.

“When that opportunity comes, we’ve got to grab it with both hands. It’s really big, it means a lot. We as South Africans, we’re so happy and we’re so proud of Devon doing so well and being in the top 32 and him working so hard so he can given another South African an opportunity which is great.”

“If you’re looking at that concept of getting more South Africans in, it’s also a bit of my goal moving forward. After the World Championship, going to Q-School, trying to pick up a ranking and money so I can move along and hopefully a third South African can come in.”

“It’s not just motivating me but a lot of others back home because it’s a case of if he can do it, I can do it.”

Double Dutch draw awaits for Carolissen

His draw will see him face Martijn Kleermaker with a double Dutch route through if he beats the Dutch Giant as he will take on Danny Noppert. His tactic is very much sticking to his own game which will also be the case if he wins through.

“Well when I look at it first, I thought I’m going up against the Netherlands here. I’ve seen Martijn play before and he’s a fairly good player. The pace that he throws is quite fast so already I tell myself that I’m definitely going to have to play my own game.

“With his rhythm, he makes the game look so easy so I know it’s going to be a tough first game for me. Me being a debutant and first time on the big stage and like I said for me, it’s all about relaxing in that moment in time. My focus is solely on that first game at Martijn and if I get through, I’ll use that same concept against Danny.”

Q-School bound after Alexandra Palace

Next stop after the World Championship win or lose will be Q-School for Carolissen which he believes will be yet another step for South African darts if he can join Petersen on tour.

“My next goal after the World Championship is to go to Q-School because once I get a Tour Card, it’ll open a lot of doors not just for myself but for many dart players in South Africa as well. So definitely after the World’s, I’m going to Q-School.”