“It’s a no-brainer. If you don’t do it, it’s a massive opportunity missed.” – William O’Connor calls for the European Tour to set foot in Ireland

For William O'Connor, the European Tour remains one of the most important circuits of the season. The Irishman emphasised during the Poland Darts Open how crucial these tournaments are for players aiming to qualify for the big televised events and to consistently test themselves against the elite.

According to O'Connor, the European Tour plays a central role in his plans for the year. “For me, to do what I want to do this year, I want to qualify for the World Matchplay, I want to qualify for the World Grand Prix (Darts), and I want to qualify for the PDC World Darts Championship,” he said. “I want to qualify for most of the big majors this year.”

He also cites the Grand Slam of Darts as a target, although he knows that path is less straightforward. “Obviously, the Grand Slam of Darts isn’t as straightforward, but if I put in a solid year then it’s within grasp.”

The Irishman stresses that playing in European Tour events is anything but a given these days. Due to the fierce competition and the qualifying system, merely making an event is already an achievement in itself. “I know what these events mean,” said O’Connor.

For him, it ultimately isn’t just about taking part, but especially about earning ranking money. “It’s fine getting here, but you’ve got to win a game to get that money onto the rankings.”

He sees a spot on the European Tour as the result of hard work across a full season. It’s a huge achievement to be here because it shows the body of work you’ve put in throughout the year.” O'Connor is convinced he has done that work in recent times. “There’s no doubt I put in that body of work last year. I’m in that position now, but I’ve got to take advantage of it as well."

Although O'Connor has clear goals for the season, he remains focused on one key word above all: consistency. “It’s a win, you know. You can win six games in a row and it doesn’t necessarily relate to a championship,” he said.

According to the Irishman, consistent form is essential to truly contend for trophies. “To win a Players Championship (darts) event you have to be really, really consistent throughout the year. That’s what I want to be.” His ambition is therefore not only to win a title, but above all to be regularly in contention. “Whether I win one or not, I want to be there and I want to be in contention. That’s where I want to be."

During busy tournaments, O'Connor tries to focus primarily on his own game. He believes that’s where the biggest challenge lies. “Just being happy with myself, being content with my own throw, believing in myself,” he said. “And going out there and letting my darts go.”

He also makes a point of not looking too far ahead in a tournament. “I haven’t even looked at the second round. I don’t care. I have to focus on that first match.”

O'Connor also sees the European Tour as playing an important role in darts’ international growth. New venues and ever larger arenas, in his view, show that the sport continues to develop. “It’s great, especially when the venues keep getting better and better,” he said. “That shows the sport is going in the right direction.” The Irishman is clearly enjoying that progress. “I love being here and hopefully we’ll have a lot more events like this.”

At the end of the conversation, the possibility of bringing a European Tour event to Ireland also came up. According to O'Connor, that would be a logical step. “To bring big darts to Ireland? I think so,” he said. “It’s a no-brainer.”

He believes interest in darts in Ireland is greater than ever. "There’s a huge amount of darts in Ireland and so many young kids coming through." That’s why he feels it would be a missed opportunity if there isn’t a major event. “If you don’t do it, it’s a massive opportunity missed.”

O'Connor also points out that Ireland currently has few major PDC tournaments left. “We don’t have the World Grand Prix (Darts) there anymore and we don’t really have a big event anymore.” That’s precisely why he sees room for a new step. “We’re part of Europe — so why not?”