Scholten aiming to enjoy World Seniors Darts Championship: "My average? I haven't really kept track of that"

Roland Scholten is the only Dutch participant at the World Seniors Darts Championship at the darting mecca, Circus Tavern in Purfleet these days. The event features 24 famous players from the past, including Phil Taylor and Martin Adams.

Scholten, winner of the 2004 UK Open, will take on Terry Jenkins in the first round. The Tripod has been doing some serious preparation leading up to the tournament.

"Since I heard a few months ago that I was allowed to play, I picked up my darts and started practicing. Twice a day for about three hours. Of course I don't want to look like a fool there. I have also trained with Kristiaan de Boer and Jelle Klaasen. My average? I haven't really kept track of that. We will see.''

The winner will go home with a cheque for 25,000 pounds, although Scholten doesn't think he has much chance of winning it. "That will be for Phil Taylor, I expect. Although I don't know how he is doing at the moment. I get 750 pounds starting money and my hotel costs are paid as long as I'm in the tournament. So it won't cost me anything or not much''.

For Scholten, this event will be a return to the place where he played his World Championships from 2001 to 2007.

"I think I will have at least four nice days there. It is great that they have chosen the Circus Tavern as the location to play, that is nostalgia. I played my first World Championship there in 2000. I understand why the PDC moved to Alexandra Palace at a certain point, because there are more spectators in the hall, but Circus Tavern was very special."