William Borland managed to qualify for the main table of the Winmau World Masters. The 28-year-old Scot defeated Mickey Mansell 2-1 on Wednesday in his decisive qualifying match.
Borland, who will be best known to many people for his nine-darter in the deciding leg of his opening match at the 2022 Darts World Championship against Bradley Brooks, is thus finally resurfacing. “A lot of people think that I’ve gone missing. I’ve had a lot of personal things going on," he said as per Oche.
“It’s not hindered my darts in any aspect. But it’s like taken my mind away and I’m not fully concentrated. So fully concentrated me that’s what I can do, qualify for TV events.
“It’s a ranking event so I’m happy that I’m there. I believe that I should be there. I know I’m not more consistent than the other guys. But I know that I’ve got the game to compete against these guys. The thing I’m lacking is consistency.
“It’s a great start to the year heading towards the ProTours which I’m also looking forward to.
Mansell
Borland also looked back on his decisive qualifying match against Mansell.
“It meant everything. With me throwing fast it’s hard to play Mickey. The way Mickey is playing at the moment, he’s one of the in-form players. He’s a very good player.
“Even if he didn’t hit a big one, he still went treble and treble. I was like b***** off! They are the tough games you have to win to get through. I was happy to get through that.
“The bull went on for ages. I was like just win the bull. Obviously Mickey won it. Then it was try and break him. The game was good, I believe two good players. Mickey is a good guy one of the nicest guys on the tour. I’m happy for myself to get through.”
Focus
Stephen Bunting next admitted he is wary of Borland, who is capable of producing in the big moments. He added: “No matter who you play when you come in as reigning champ, it’s always going to be difficult. I need to make sure I’m fully focused on my game.
“He’s had some magical moments at the Worlds, the nine-darter. I know quite a lot about him. He’s a difficult opponent.”
Jermaine Wattimena, Cameron Menzies and Kevin Doets were amongst the eight players to come through the 2025 Winmau World Masters Preliminary Rounds in Milton Keynes on Wednesday.
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 29, 2025
Round-up & Results from Wednesday's action in Milton Keynes! 📝