Well, it’s certainly been busy since my last appearance in print. The festive season and new year’s beginning has, once again, been a story of mixed fortunes.
The PDC ladies season has what I suppose could be called a ‘winter break’ to allow for those who have qualified for the Grand Slam, Ally Pally and Q School to compete without clashes. Luckily there is still plenty of activity out there for those lucky enough to be able to travel.
Romania’s darts festival was the starting point for my 2024 WDF campaign, yet, despite some excellent facilities and an enjoyable start to the darting year, I could seem to get started in either ranking event and clocked the pair of last 16 finishes that could generously described as the minimum required.
Next up, back to The Netherlands for the Dutch Open. My last visit was nothing short of disastrous, owing to an horrible administrative error when I misunderstood the unusual marking rules and was disqualified!
Starting out on a darting journey later than most means you don’t have years of youth or development darts behind you and all your ‘rookie mistakes’ are made at important times and in full public view!
I do however realise that I am fortunate enough to be able to have a chance to put eros right and the 2024 event went some way to doing so. I hit the ground running against two home nation players and was in a good place when drawn again Chris Savvery in the L16. I found some of the days best form and managed a 4-1 win before having to play a second Welsh woman in the person of world number 3 Rhian O’Sullivan.
We have had some fine battles before with both of us gaining important wins. This time it was my turn although I made it tougher and had to get through a decider after having a decent lead!
Sadly the semifinal was less successful with Aileen De Graff again edging me out in front of her home supporters. Aileen is tough enough to defeat at any time but at home it needs 100% focus and I may have run out off steam a little.
A semi final, in a platinum event, is a strong start to the year, together with a proud return to the England team, which is very special, it’s been a promising start.
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Original Column: Darts World Magazine 585
Natalie Gilbert is a Tour player, England International and PDC Women’s Series event winner. She is sponsored by Red Dragon Darts