"She said well it's about time you pulled your finger out" - Daryl Gurney credits wife as reason behind recent resurgence

Daryl Gurney has booked his place in the second round of the European Championship after overcoming his fellow Northern Irishman, Josh Rock 6-2.

“Josh has got so much quality so I knew I couldn’t relax,” said 'Superchin' post-match. “I always feel the pressure when I’m playing in the first round of any major tournament, so I’m just glad to get the win."

Although Rock recently overtook Gurney in the PDC Order of Merit to become Northern Irish number one for the first time, Gurney has shown signs of a resurgence of late. Most notably reaching the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay this summer.

A major winner and Premier League Darts star at his peak, Gurney's return to form looks to be continuing at the European Championships. “I was fortunate in the first couple of legs," he admits. "But I took my chances and that is what darts is all about.”

A key source in Gurney's recovery has been his partner. "She said well it's about time you pulled your finger out," he laughs, revealing the pair actually play together to practice. "She loved cricket and I've absolutely destroyed her at cricket, now she despise cricket!"