Burnett Back With A Bang

RICHIE BURNETT thought his career was finished two years ago — now he's back in the oche big time.

The ex-world champ, 44, was struck with dartitis in 2009 and a glittering career looked over.
But Burnett, triple BDO world champ, World Matchplay runner-up and twice PDC world quarter-finalist, has produced a remarkable comeback.
At the ProTour in Holland on Sunday the Prince of Wales needed the £6,000 top prize to boost his world ranking enough to qualify for the televised World Grand Prix.
And he got it, with an incredible final defeat of Dave Chisnall.
Burnett has drawn Gary Anderson in Dublin next week — but he is just happy to be there.
He said: "To be honest I thought I was finished. Dartitis is a psychological affliction and there was so much wrong with my life.
"I was mentally all over the place and very low. My entire life was on the floor and I needed to be strong to pick myself up.
"I knew I had to sort my life out first and darts came second and I fell down the rankings. It was always going to be a long process to get back to where I think I can be in the sport.
"Last year I was playing well and my scoring was getting back to its best but I just had to be patient and I was right."
Burnett's Dutch success was his first ProTour win in ten years and he has jumped from 154th in the world to 41 since the turn of the year.
He said: "I knew I had to win the £6,000 to make the Grand Prix, so it felt great.
"It proves I can deal with the pressure again and produce a result when I really need to.
"I'm confident I'm better placed to deal with big-time darts now.
"I was world champion in 1995 at 27 and I didn't grasp the situation. I'm not as daft now.
"It's a tough draw but I'm just happy to be there. It's just vital I've moved up the rankings.
"I will give it everything I've got. Gary is a fantastic player and I love watching him but I know I can outscore anyone.
"It's just my doubles that can let me down, which is not too different from Gary."