INTERVIEW - Robb ‘confident’ ahead of PDC World Championship debut: ‘I feel I’ll rise to the challenge’

Ben Robb will make his PDC World Championship debut next Wednesday having come through the DPNZ Qualifier.

Robb, also known as ‘Big Rig’ showed his talent during the World Series this year and he is feeling confident ahead of making his Alexandra Palace debut.

“Feeling confident, I feel every time I play on stage I'm improving my game so to get an opportunity on the biggest stage I feel I'll rise to the challenge,” said Robb to DartsNews.com.

A tie against Ron Meulenkamp starts him off before a potential clash with Chris Dobey and he calls it a good draw despite admitting that no game is easy. He added that despite the occasion, he will just prepare as normal.

“My draw is pretty good considering the talent that's in the draw but every player in there, deserves to be there and no game is going to be easy, I understand this. I just have to prepare like I would any other game, the only person who can effect my darts is me that's always been my attitude.”

World Series

Robb like alluded to has previously made appearances on the World Series and earlier this year reached the Quarter-Finals in Hamilton after defeating Simon Whitlock.

For him, that exposure is invaluable and one that he believes put him in the place he is in now.

He also said that also being able to compete in matches against full time pros gives him real confidence going forward.

“Definitely being exposed to the professional side of darts through the World Series has been massive for my progression without the World Series, I don't think I would be in this position.”

“Playing against full time professional darts players and being able to compete with them in that environment gives me massive confidence going forward.”

DPNZ Qualifier

Robb’s route to the World Championship was a bit more difficult than some with him having to come through a group format.

Despite that he admits that while he enjoys straight knockout, the group game really rewards those who play well all day.

“I like it. I personally enjoy the straight knock out format but the group format we have rewards consistency and to beat the players you have to, to win it you deserve to take the NZ wildcard spot.”

Q-School

A lot of players off the back of playing at Ally Pally who currently don’t have Tour Cards often head to Q-School straight after the tournament and while it’s a goal for Robb, it won’t be one he will reach till at least 2021 he revealed.

“That's the goal to get over and have a crack but to do it from where I am (the bottom of the world lol) it takes a whole lot of factors to align so next years Q-School I will not be attending but 2021 is what I'm lining up.”

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