Usher counts on support of NHS colleagues ahead of UK Open: "They're all over it, asking me who I'm playing, when I'm playing"

Graham Usher continues life as a PDC Tour Card holder with his first appearance in the UK Open since 2009 this weekend.

Usher works for the NHS outside of the sport and said that colleagues have been really supportive of his darts and have been asking him questions about when its on.

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"They’re all over it, asking me who I’m playing, when I’m playing and if it’s on TV. They’re all really supportive and keen and want to come down and watch me," he said to Daily Star Sport.

"It is a bit difficult, but I’ve got a great team. We’re a small team of about seven. The managers are great and everyone is really supportive which makes a big difference. When you know your workmates are behind you as well as your family it’s good."

"We work 8-4 Monday to Friday, so if I need to take the odd day off at short notice I can. The team are really good. I've been here for 15 years and started off by getting all the kit ready for theatres. Then I worked with adults with learning disabilities and now I work in the stores. I’ve been here for the last five years and it’s a really good team."

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Playing in the tournament for the first time since 2009, Usher though is confident of a run to the latter stages.

"I’m well experienced now, and I’m going down there with a positive attitude and hoping to go deep in the competition. There’s no reason why not.

"I’ve looked at the draw, and while it’s never easy, I’m going to go and enjoy it. Getting to the last-16 would be good, and depending on how the draw goes, with it being an open draw and all, you never know."