Soutar on Suljovic fragilities ahead of second round tie: "Let's hope the scars from the Sherrock loss are still sore"

Alan Soutar is through to the second round at the 2021/22 PDC World Darts Championship after being pushed all the way by Diogo Portela.

Soutar was expected to win at a canter but saw the Brazilian ace keep coming back but he is through on his debut. He spoke afterwards and said the display he produced was due to nerves at times.

"I was really nervous and I hold my hand up to that and hopefully that is out the way now and I can be better for the next game," said Soutar post match.

"I didn't expect it to be like that but when I was out on the stage this morning when there was no one in there I felt comfortable, I had a look around and I was like it's not as bad as what you think. Then when there's crowds in there and they're all English, it was so difficult to switch off and concentrate on the darts."

Next up is Mensur Suljovic who lost to Fallon Sherrock again at the Grand Slam of Darts and for Soutar, he hopes the fragilities remain.

"If I turn up and play my UK Open stage game on that stage then I can beat Mensur (Suljovic), I'm quite happy I won and I know there's more to come."

"I'm aware of what he's been doing and when he's not been at the ProTours as well, he had a good World Cup but maybe it was Rodriguez that pulled him through. Let's hope the scars from the Sherrock loss are still sore and he doesn't play his best against me."