INTERVIEW: Williams aiming high after UK Open run: "The dream is to get a Tour Card and be playing on the tour week in week out with the best players in the world"

Lewis 'Lewy' Williams was one of the main success stories of the UK Open this past month which was the last PDC major played before the Coronavirus lockdown meant that darts was brought to a halt.

Williams caught up with DartsNews a month on from his run which saw him reach the Last 64 and defeat Robert Owen, Adrian Gray and Jose de Sousa en route; to sum up his experience in Minehead.

"Playing at the UK Open was an unbelievable experience for myself; it felt so surreal playing in the same tournament and competing against the best darts players on the planet" said Williams to DartsNews.com.

"It will definitely be something that I will look back on and be very proud of myself for; but hopefully I’ll be back next year and so on."

Riley's Qualifiers

As one of the Riley's Qualifiers, Williams came through what are known as some of the most cut-throat darting tournaments there are; with many getting played into the night and he shared the sentiments of the difficulty of making it to Minehead in the first place.

"Coming through the Riley’s Qualifier in Sheffield will definitely be up there; with one of the hardest tournaments I’ve ever competed in never mind to have won.

Not just because of the standard but because of the length of the day as well! But for me overall it was an amazing day in the end knowing that I had qualified for one of the biggest tournaments in world darts."

"There’s so many highlights and great moments; but I’d say the best one would definitely be just getting onto the stage and throwing my first 3 darts as that’s when it all got real," continued Williams.

"It was also such an amazing feeling beating 3 top class players on the way to the last 64. I think my performances proved I can definitely compete with some of the best; with plenty more practice and determination I will hopefully carry on showing that I’ve got the game to go places."

Future ambitions and effect of Coronavirus

It was noted during the UK Open coverage that the Swansea ace was studying in Liverpool; he added that he has plenty of time to juggle both his academic side and his darting side. As well, due to his UK Open run he is now aiming high for the future.

"As I’m only in college on Thursdays and Fridays I get plenty of time to practice in the week and also plenty of time to study as well so it does balance out nicely," added Williams.

"I’d say the run I had in the UK Open was definitely a massive confidence booster for myself just to prove where my game is at right now. The dream is to get a tour card and be playing on the tour week in week out with the best players in the world and then kick on from there."

He also reflected on the Coronavirus situation; he admitted that while he is looking forward to getting back to playing, he sees the health of people as being paramount.

"I’m really looking forward to getting back playing competitively again on Development Tours and Challenge Tours etc; but obviously were in a very awful situation and I’d like to wish that everyone stays safe and healthy through this terrible time."