Callan Rydz hit out at darts fans for failing to understand players’ mental health after his epic 3-2 defeat of Daryl Gurney at the World Championship.
Rydz came from 2-1 down to beat Gurney in a match where he produced two 167 checkouts, a tops tops finish – and an impressive 95 average.
The Newcastle man, who has in the past been very open about his mental struggles, was visibly emotional when interviewed after the match.
And in the press conference which followed, the two time quarter-finalist expressed anger that mental health issues among players aren’t taken more seriously by darts fans.
He said: “We’re all human beings, everyone struggles.
“I’m not afraid to say that I’m struggling, but you’ve got darts fans saying it (mental health issues) is an excuse.”
Rydz’s comments come amid mounting public scrutiny over mental health in darts.
Just last week Cameron Menzies – who, like Rydz, has himself been public about his difficulties – punched a drinks table after his deciding set defeat to Charlie Manby in round one, and cited emotional turmoil from his uncle’s death as a reason for the outburst.
Dom Taylor, meanwhile, claimed following his ban for substance abuse that he used drugs to cope with trauma from his teenage years and the anniversary of his daughter’s death.
Rydz also dedicated the victory over Gurney to his family, and cited them as his inspiration for taking up – and sticking with – darts.
He said: “I play for my family and that’s it.
“My grandma, my grandad and my aunt are the ones who brought me into darts so the win means everything for them.”
Elsewhere, former tournament winner Peter Wright was comfortably beaten in straight sets by Arno Merk. his highest checkout was just eight.
Ryan Meikle beat Johnny Tata in another five set thriller to advance to round three.
After going 2-0 down early doors, Suffolk’s Meikle took advantage of a flurry of missed darts from the Australian to book a date with Danny Noppert or Justin Hood.
Jermaine Wattimena also progressed against Meikle’s fellow Englishman Scott Williams in the third deciding-setter of the day.
Feature image: James Bools
Join the discussion