"When I come to the venue, it's not equal": Hempel struggling to take practice game back onto big stage

Florian Hempel prevailed 6-4 in a scrappy contest against James Wilson with 20 darts missed at double from his opponent but he moved through at the International Darts Open successfully.

"It was a difficult game. I think everyone can see we had a struggle in the game especially on the doubles. When I had a good feeling on the darts, the good feeling was lost quickly," said Hempel to Online Darts.

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After emerging on to the scene just over two years ago, the Cologne native has failed to reproduce and he puts that down to not being able to bring his game up into competition.

"I'm feeling really comfortable on the practice board and last few months when I come to the venue, it's not equal. I lost the feeling."

"The darts are not the reason why I'm not a good darts player at the moment. I think it's just a mental game. Really I hope I can transform my form onto tomorrow."