Omelchenko's remarkable story as Ukrainian trailblazer prepares for Ally Pally debut: "I have been forced to train by the light of a lantern"

Vladyslav Omelchenko will make his PDC World Darts Championship debut facing Luke Woodhouse in the opening round and becoming the first Ukrainian to play at the showpiece tournament after winning a qualifier.

Omelchenko of course has had to deal with the ongoing war in Russia and Ukraine and this has affected his preparation and he has had to train by the light of a lantern but the goal remains clear.

“Unfortunately in my homeland there is such a situation that I have been forced to train by the light of a lantern for more than one month. To this day, the temperature in the room has been tolerable, but now winter is here, there are frosts ahead and it will be colder," said Omelchenko per Mirror Sport.

“I think in my entire darts career the largest number of people who supported me was about 100 people. If at least a few people support me in Ally Pally, I will be already happy. I can't even dream of being supported 3,000 people!

“I have a wife and two sons, 30 and 18 years old, and unfortunately, there will be no relatives with me in London, but hopefully my family and colleagues will have fun looking at the TV screens. This is a great event for our country. I am very proud that I am the first Ukrainian darts player who managed to win this place and I can’t even imagine what it’s like to stand on the Ally Pally stage.

“But of course, the war has had a very strong influence on our lives. All plans for the future were violated, you have to live with the constant thought that you could be under fire. There is fear for myself and for relatives who stayed in the country. I did not have to leave my house, but we were ready to do it since the invaders were near my city. A siren regularly sounds in the air, the region is constantly attacked by rockets and you can hear the explosions.

“But they could not stop my dream of making the PDC World Championship – my dream came true. Until that moment I could only watch pro players on TV. Clearly I am aware that my level, of course, does not reach my rivals and I have little experience of playing them, so I would like to show my best level in the game with Luke.”