"This not only saves my season but also my future in the PDC” – Emotional Connor Scutt reacts to reaching Grand Slam of Darts last 16

After a season of frustration and missed opportunities, Connor Scutt finally had his moment on Tuesday night. The Englishman survived a nerve-wracking thriller to reach the last 16 of the Grand Slam of Darts, defeating Czech Karel Sedláček in a match where his tournament — and possibly his PDC future — was on the line.

“Karel is a very, very good player,” Scutt said. “The last time we played, we both averaged in the high 90s, but he beat me convincingly because of his finishing. This time, it felt like I got away with one again, just like against Daryl Gurney earlier in the week.”

The crucial moment came at 4–4 when Scutt had 51 left for the match. “My manager and my wife in the crowd were shouting ‘tops, tops, tops,’ but I stubbornly went for 19. I hit 57 — brilliant, of course,” he said with a wry laugh. “I really thought I wasn’t going to get another chance, but luckily I had one more dart to set it right.”

When that final double hit, Scutt unleashed an unusually intense display of emotion. “That’s not normally me,” he admitted. “But this match meant so much to me. I’m not in Minehead for the Players Championship Finals, so this tournament is hugely important. This saves my season.”

Scutt’s win didn’t just mean qualification for the knockout stage; it also guaranteed his place at the World Championship in Alexandra Palace — a huge boost after a topsy-turvy year.

“I’ve missed a few decent chances this season,” he admitted. “Early on, I had a lot of tough draws. I lost some games I should have won, and the pressure just built up. But this result does wonders. My PDC Tour Card is safe for now.”

His objectives for the season had been clear: make the World Championship and the Players Championship Finals. “I missed one of those two,” he said. “But that’s my own fault. Now that I’ve qualified for Ally Pally, it feels like I’ve saved my season.”

The way Scutt handled his nerves was emblematic of his growth as a player. “I’m a big believer that if you’re nervous, showing aggression helps — it’s very hard to be aggressive and nervous at the same time,” he explained. “When you’re full of adrenaline, you’re going to do one of two things: fight or flight. I prefer to fight. Against Karel, I had a bit too much adrenaline, especially on that 57 on 51. I should have counted a bit smarter, but luckily I got away with it.”

This mental toughness is new territory for the 29-year-old from Surrey. “Last year, I might not have survived moments like that. Now I know how to pick myself up.”

Scutt’s year had been defined by frustration over narrow defeats. “I’ve called it ‘Scutt luck,’” he said with a smile. “I’ve had so many games where I averaged over 100 and still lost. Against Josh Rock, I threw nine 180s and lost 6–4. Against Denny Olde Kalter, I averaged over 100, he averaged 106 — his best game of the year. That kind of thing drives you mad.”

Yet he sees the positives. “I know I’m good enough. I just need to make sure I’m on the right side of those tiny margins more often. If I can get seeded next year, it makes life a bit easier.”

After the match, Scutt exchanged warm words with Sedláček. “I apologised to him because I came across a bit aggressive during the match,” he said. “I snatched my darts at one point, and he took a moment. That was fair. Karel is such a nice guy, and I told him that. He only had kind words back. That really shows the type of person he is.”

Now safely through to the last 16, Scutt faces a best-of-19 match — a format in which he feels comfortable. “I love the longer games,” he said. “You can get into your rhythm. In short matches, anyone can win, even against world champion Luke Littler. In longer games, quality shines through more.”

His confidence isn’t misplaced. “The first best-of-19 I ever played, I won 10–3 against Daryl Gurney, someone who had won that tournament before. And against Dirk van Duijvenbode, I lost 10–9, also a great game. So I know I can compete with the best.”

Scutt admitted that in previous tournaments he had built up too much tension. “Last year I lost 5–0 to Ross Smith, and that stayed in my head. I was at the venue hours early, practicing for five or six hours. Now I do it differently. I take breaks, talk to my wife and manager, and sometimes practice with Gary Anderson. That helped me a lot today.”

And how was Anderson throwing? Scutt laughed: “As brilliant as always. We often play 121-finish games, and Gary hardly misses. That keeps me sharp.”

Although results on TV this season haven’t always gone his way, Scutt insists his form is there. “My average is almost identical to last year,” he said. “Actually, on TV, it’s slightly higher. My game is good — it’s just the results that haven’t gone my way. I had a dip in confidence mid-season, but I’ve fixed that. Next year, I want to turn that into consistent results.”

His goal is clear: the top 32 in the world rankings. “I know I’m capable,” he said. “Last year I averaged 120 in a competitive match, missed four darts at double, and didn’t hit a single 180. That proves my top level is there. I just need everything to come together at the right time.”

With his place in the knockout stages secured, Scutt is looking ahead to the rest of the tournament with renewed confidence. “This result changes everything,” he said. “It takes the pressure off, confirms I belong on this stage, and gives me something to build on for Ally Pally. I know what I can do — and now everyone else can see it too.”