"You've done Lakeside 3 times. Go to Ally Pally and show it there!" - Glen Durrant sends message to Beau Greaves ahead of World Championship decision

In the heart of Manchester, the Target 2025 launch brought together a host of big names. Three-time BDO world champion Glen Durrant was visibly enjoying the event and gave thoughts on everything from Michael van Gerwen, Beau Greaves and even Adrian Lewis.

“I’ve done a few Target launches now, but because of the location this really was a pinch-me moment,” he told Online Darts. “There was a photo earlier with Phil [Taylor] at the front, Barney, Luke Littler… it just went on and on. Incredible. And the technology – the new darts are spot on.”

The setting, right in the middle of the city centre, also made a strong impression. “I was just chatting with someone from snooker and he said snooker is miles behind darts now, because you’d never see anything like this there,” said Durrant. “It’s incredible. It shows where darts is heading: stronger, bigger. Target really know how to put on a show.”

Durrant also had the chance to check out Target’s latest range. “I did some work at Milton Keynes recently at a trade show for Target and it was fantastic. The new barrel I really liked. And the Elysian, the archetype, that’s a piece of art.”

The conversation soon turned to Michael van Gerwen, who recently returned to winning ways at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam.“I was happy – and I got the feeling other dart players were happy as well,” said Durrant. “It took me back to when I hit rock bottom. For the first time I felt other players wanted me to do well. Michael had a hug with Mike De Decker and it went on for ages. Darts is in a better place when Michael van Gerwen is playing well. Surprised? Maybe. But very happy for him.”

The Dutchman’s resurgence comes at the perfect time, according to Durrant. “There’s always something special once the World Series is finished. Everyone’s minds are on the big tournaments: the Euro Tours, I was recently in Antwerp, then the European Championship, the Players Championship Finals, the Grand Prix, and of course the World Championship at Alexandra Palace – with a million pounds for the winner. It’s simply the best time of the year.”

Van Gerwen’s revival also adds extra spice to his rivalry with Luke Littler. “I wouldn’t want to put pressure on him, but I thought Luke looked steaming angry after the final,” said Durrant. “But the cuddle he gave Michael afterwards is exactly where I want him to be. Luke’s so mature. He’s the headline. He’s got that aura – like a Michael van Gerwen or a Phil Taylor. If we got a world final of Michael against Luke, no one would be disappointed.”

Only three players in PDC history have ever successfully defended their world title. Can Littler join that club? Durrant thinks so, but warned of pitfalls. “He seems to handle pressure more than anybody. But with 128 players coming in, he’s vulnerable in that first round or his first game back after a few days off, which Ally Pally can throw up. Once he’s in his stride though, he’s the man to beat. If you’re going to get Luke, get him early.”

Beau Greaves was another name discussed. The 21-year-old English talent faces a choice between Lakeside and Alexandra Palace.

“I interviewed her and she said, ‘Glen, I’m 21 years old. I don’t make decisions three or six months in advance. I’ll decide when the time is right,’” explained Durrant. “But now she’s signed for Target, I think they’ll want her at Ally Pally. My advice? You’ve done Lakeside three times, a fourth would be brilliant, but go to Alexandra Palace and have that Palace moment. Go there, Beau – go and show it there.”

Adrian Lewis’s recent comeback at the Modus Super Series also came up.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was brilliant,” said Durrant. “He looks happy with his exhibitions and family life. Part of me worried a return to the competitive circuit might disappoint him. I played the Super Series myself and sometimes felt like I didn’t want to be there. I wouldn’t want Adrian to go through that. He’s a legend. Let him make his own decision. If that competitive spirit comes back, I’ll look forward to Q-School.”

For Durrant, Lewis’s happiness is the most important thing. “You can have all the money in the world, but being a grandad is the best moment of my life by a country mile. That 2019 period of darts was brilliant, but if Adrian is happy now with his family and exhibitions, he has to ask himself if he wants to go back to a place he might not want to be. He’s old and wise enough to make that choice.”

With the 2026 calendar already confirmed, Durrant knows the year will be relentless. “Two hours on the train from Darlington to Manchester this morning and I was filling in my paper diary while everyone else around me was on their phones,” he laughed. “It’s rammed, absolutely crammed. As a freelancer, I’m wondering: who’s going to tell me what I’m working on? Am I doing the Premier League, the Euro Tours? What a time to be a darts player.”

Despite the packed schedule, Durrant’s love for the sport shines through. “I feel like a kid in a sweet shop. Ask me as a player here at Target and I might give you a different answer, but I’m also a fan, a pundit, a coach. I’ll watch the Modus Super Series on a Saturday night, I’ll watch Ally Pally. I just love darts.”