Veteran Darts Player Steve West Eyeing Comeback, but Not Chasing Pro Tour
Seasoned English darts player aims for a return, but with a different mindset
Seasoned English darts player Steve West is aiming for a comeback, but his focus is not solely on regaining his PDC Tour Card. After undergoing hip surgery, the 49-year-old is ready to make another run at the sport he loves, albeit with a different mindset.
West, a former UK Open quarter-finalist and five-time PDC World Darts Championship participant, lost his PDC Tour Card in 2022. Despite his confidence in being one of the best players to grace the darts stage, he acknowledges that he could have achieved more in his career.
As he prepares to try his luck at Q-School next year, West is not solely focused on winning back his Tour Card. “I’m going to go. I’m not sure with what mindset but I’m probably looking just to see where I’m at more than anything. I don’t think I want to chase the pro thing anymore,” he explains.
The former player cites the negative aspects of the professional darts environment as a reason for his change in perspective. “To be brutally honest, there’s a lot of people in there, that I don’t want to be associated with anymore. I’m happy with my life now as it is and I don’t think I need to be in that environment, because at some point, that game destroyed me.”
West has enjoyed a happier life during his recent three-year hiatus from the sport, and he is now considering a different path. “I’m not going to Q-School to win my card back, I’m going to just see where I’m at for my future plans. See what I’ve still got and if I’ve got a little bit that I can give to the seniors next year from June.”
Despite the possibility of regaining his Tour Card, West is adamant that he would not accept it if offered. “Would I accept it? No. I’m not sure if you’re allowed to turn it down but I would. It put me in a dark place. I don’t want to go back there. I put myself through a lot of dark stuff and if I didn’t meet Michelle when I did, I probably wouldn’t even be talking to you now so I don’t want to go.”
As Steve West prepares for his darts comeback, his focus is on finding enjoyment in the sport and applying his skills in an environment that aligns with his current mindset, rather than chasing the pressures of the professional tour.
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