WILLIAM O’CONNOR has slammed the World Cup of Darts format as “absolute rubbish”.
Ireland opened their campaign with a 4-1 victory over Singapore in Group D and now face Uganda knowing another win will secure their place in the knockout stages.
William O’Connor has slammed the World Cup of Darts format Credit: Getty
England’s Luke Littler (above) and Luke Humphries have received a bye into the second round Credit: Getty
But The Magpie believes the tournament is unfairly weighted in favour of the leading nations.
England, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland and Scotland all receive byes straight into round two, where matches switch to the longer best-of-15-leg format.
World No38 O’Connor insists every nation should have to begin at the same stage.
He said: “Paul [Lim], it doesn’t matter what age he is. He is a tricky customer. Paul has got more behind him than me and Micky [Mansell] put together.
“First to four, I mean two boys from the pub can turn up and win this.
“I am not just saying this, but it is a good job those boys seeded into the second round are into the second round. Put those boys in the same round as us.
“I think everybody in the World Cup should be in the same draw. If it’s the World Cup, everyone in the world should be in the same draw.
“England, Ireland, Scotland and Northern Ireland. I don’t care who they are.”
Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock (left) and Daryl Gurney are the defending champions Credit: Getty
O’Connor suggested the seeded nations avoid the pressure experienced by countries battling through the first round.
He added: “First round, it is either a World Cup or it is not.
“It is ridiculous, second round of the World Cup. I don’t agree with that and that is one thing I would say about it.
“I think that is absolute rubbish. You wouldn’t see it in any other sport and I don’t think it should be in .
“Put those boys in the same round as us and see how they do under pressure because we are under serious pressure today.”
O’Connor was partnered by Mickey Mansell, who became the first player in PDC history to represent two different nations at the World Cup after switching allegiance from Northern Ireland.
Mansell revealed he was offered the opportunity back in March and discussed the decision with Keane Barry, who ultimately dropped out of the squad.
He said: “In March the question was asked [by the PDC], would I be interested, or if the opportunity became available to represent Ireland would I accept it?
“I’m Irish, I’ve had an Irish passport for 30 years. More than probably any of the other Irish lads who’s come on the tour, before they were even born.
“The first person I asked was Willie. If he doesn’t want to play with me and says ‘no I’m not happy’ or whatever, the deed is done at that stage. There’s no other conversation.
“I phoned Keane, explained to him. I told him the opportunity had come my way. I explained to him my reasons and why I was going to accept it.
“I told him I think two weeks before it was announced on social media or through the PDC.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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