Thornton 'confident' of regaining Tour Card at Q-School: "There's life in the old dog yet"

Robert Thornton will have to head to Q-School for the first time in his career after losing out in the World Championship qualifier in the final round to Jamie Lewis.

Thornton, a multiple major champion has found form at times as of late but not enough to keep his Tour Card. 'The Thorn' though is confident of regaining it at the cut-throat Q-School first time of asking.

“It was very frustrating, I had played really well in my opening two matches. I missed a couple of doubles against Jamie and that proved crucial," said Thornton to Darts World.

“But overall I feel pretty good, I’m playing well. I proved that on Monday and I thought I was OK in the World Cup as well for Scotland.

“I’m not despondent. If I was playing badly I’d be more worried but if I play like I have been at Q School in January then I’ll keep my card. I’m confident of that.”

He added: “No chance of me retiring. There’s life in the old dog yet. I’ll only retire when I’m told to by the wife.

“After spending most of this year at home in lockdown, I’m pretty sure my wife will want me to keep playing to stay out of the house as much as possible!

“Seriously, I’ve got a lot more left in the tank. I’m still practising hard. We’ve converted the loft into a practice room so I spend a lot of time up there and it’s definitely working.

“The only consolation is that right now I’ll get to have Christmas with the grandkids. Then it will be solid practice ready for Q School.

“I know it’s pretty cut throat but they’ve not had a Scottish terrier in Q School yet. I reckon I will get through.”