"Probably through a lot of respect because of what I have done" - Robert Owen sees players bringing A-game as form slump reason

Rob Owen has admitted in conversation with Juicy Darts that he has had a "very tough" season. Nevertheless, 'Stack Attack' is not going to sit back and throw himself fully into the chance to still qualify for the PDC World Darts Championship later in December.

The world number 58 made it to the last sixteen at Alexandra Palace in early January. He also reached the last 16 at the UK Open, partly because he surprisingly defeated Michael van Gerwen a round earlier on the main stage.

But since then things have gone downhill for the Welshman. On the ProTour, success has been lacking: just two quarterfinals - at Players Championship 5 and 30 - are the meager highlights of 2025 so far. The Welshman is currently outside the World Championship qualifying spots, with only one floor tournament left to play today.

“It’s been very tough for me this year. Very, very tough. Started off obviously with the Worlds coming into 2025 getting to the last 16. I was very happy with that. 

“Probably a bit gutted. Callan Rydz beat me 4-3 and I missed three darts to take it into a sudden death leg. I think I probably could have gone a bit further but I was very proud of what I achieved. UK Open came along and I got into the last 16 and beat Michael van Gerwen on stage. That was my dream.”

According to Owen, his inferior run is not due to his own form, but to opponents playing incredible against him. “This year has been very tough for me because I think I have played better than I did last year.

“But people have been playing their A-game against me probably through a lot of respect because of what I have done, and they know I am a serious player. I’m still out of the Worlds at the minute but that can be rectified by one tournament. I’m comfortable on stage and probably better than I am on the floor.”

The 41-year-old darter from Wales believes he is far from reaching his ceiling, although he is still looking for consistent performances. “I think I could be good enough to be a top 16 player.  

“Realistically, the levels of my game when they’re bad, they’re bad. You know, I can go and hit low 80 averages, 83, 84 averages, but also the top end of my game, I can range from 108 to 115, 116, 117, which I’ve shown on TV.  

“If I can get into the worlds this year, basically that gives me a nice year and next year the pressure will be off. I’ll just be happy with that really as long as my darts progress and I can, you know, if I can give one percent more next year, I’d be happy.”