"From Kosovo to the Ally Pally Stage: Why Roasting a Rabbit Prepared Me for the World Darts Championship"

ALAN SOUTAR claims he can handle the pressure of the Ally Pally arena after having to roast a rabbit while serving as a commando in Kosovo.

The Arbroath firefighter is set to face the formidable Dutch player Gian Van Veen in an exciting second-round match at the World Championship at Ally Pally on Monday afternoon.

Soutar, 47, believes he can handle the challenging crowds chanting ‘Scotland get battered everywhere they go’ due to his military background.

However, he also acknowledges that his biggest pet peeve is poor-quality showers and understands he must step up his game against Van Veen.

Regarding the fans' boos, he remarked: “You just have to tune it out. You need to not focus on what's happening or the situation.

“What I experienced before is completely different. When you're in Kosovo or Northern Ireland, it's about precision, and every detail matters.

“And survival, yes. But normal survival means roasting a rabbit on a spit and being out in the field. What happens on stage is not survival.

“I've faced survival situations that are vastly different. You know what? I'm fortunate and blessed to be able to do what I've done and still enjoy this, with everyone cheering you on.”

Soutar admits that his military-style preparation is crucial—even down to the quality of the showers!

He added: “My manager takes excellent care of me, and we’ve been working together for five years now. He understands my preferences, even regarding the shower in the accommodation. I'm very particular about it; it needs to be a good shower.

“Pressure is also a factor. I spent a lot of time representing Scotland, and the water would trickle down the showerhead and run down the wall.

“So we make sure to stay in nice places. The PDC gives us the opportunity to feel good about ourselves and stay in better accommodations. We take full advantage of that.

“The worst shower? Let me name it. I played for Scotland, and it was my first match as captain in Merthyr Tydfil at The Castle Hotel, where the water ran down the wall.

“I was looking at the tiles thinking: ‘This can’t be right.’ I tried to get a different hotel room, but there were none available.

“I was pressed against the tiles trying to shower, thinking: ‘Come on, man.’ I even had shampoo in my eyes!

“Those days were incredible, but the PDC has allowed us to be in better situations, and I truly appreciate that.”

Soutar believes he will become an even greater competitor on the world stage when he retires from firefighting in a couple of years.

He stated: “I've got two years left in my career. I need to maintain my tour card, which is the most important part of this journey.

“I've managed to balance both for five years. If I can keep my tour card for the next two years, I'll be able to focus on becoming a professional dart player and perhaps practice more.

“If you consider World Cup teams, in the next five, six, or eight years, I might be a bit older than Cammy (Menzies) and Daz (Beveridge), but those two could potentially form a World Cup team that could make an impact.

“I would love to participate, but I find myself in a middle ground—slightly older and not as skilled as Cammy, Gaz (Anderson), or Pete (Wright).”

• Categories:
• Sport ,
• Darts

• Tags:
• Scotland ,
• Darts ,
• PDC World Darts Championship

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Eze Chidiebere Paul

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