gold coast darters

BUNDABERG'S Shane Tichowitsch is hoping to give it a good shot at the title when he represents Australia at the upcoming World Darts Championships in London.

The 43-year-old, who moved to Bundaberg from Biggenden in August, is Australia’s No.2 player.

He was chosen in the national team with continued excellent performances in the Dart Players Australia Series this year.

“There have been tournaments every second or third week, with only one in Queensland and most in Sydney so it has been one hell of a year travelling,” Tichowitsch said.

“It has also been super expensive especially as I am on a disability pension as I am quite ill with chronic pancreatitis.

“Normally they take only the No.1 player, Simon Whitlock, who made the world final last year and is the Don Bradman of darts.

“The winner of the Oceanic Masters gets automatic entry and Simon beat me but I beat him the next day in the Illawarra Yacht Club Classic, and as he had already qualified, I also got invited.”

Tichowitsch’s impressive list of wins this year include the Coogee Bay Classic, DPA Australian Singles, Gaels Club, Goulburn, Queensland and Revesby Workers Club Open events, and the Russell Stewart Classic on September 26.

But his best result so far was making the last 56 in the World Darts Trophy tournament and making the International Darts league Preliminary in Holland in 2007.

Tichowitsch will leave on December 13, with the event to start three days later and run to January 3.

“I play England’s Andy Smith in the first round – he is ranked No. 27 in the world and they are all professionals over there, and my ranking at the moment is 191,” he said.

“But this year I really had a crack at it and got the results – I think I have won more tournaments than anyone this year, but this is my first world championships.

“I could play up to six or seven matches – once you get beaten, you are out but hopefully that doesn’t happen too early and I get some money – hopefully I am a good chance – he (Smith) is no better than I am.”

Tichowitsch would appreciate of any assistance with the cost of the trip, and anyone who can help should phone him on 0402 910 377.

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