Team Singapore La Rochelle interview

Tomorrow, the 3 local Team Singapore players will be traveling to France to play together with Paul Lim, Singaporean Darts Extraordinaire, against other top teams from France, Europe and around the world in the Intercity Cup Prestige held at La Rochelle.

They will be playing in various events over the 3 days as well as representing Team Singapore in the main International Dream Team event. In between training, the 3 players sat down with me for a no-bulls interview. Here is an excerpt of the interview.

How long have you been playing darts?

DARYL: I started playing since August 2008. It was during an in-house darts game held one night at a pub that I frequent. I was asked to join one of the league team, which was short of a player for the 5th Trios League.
JAMES: I have been playing darts since 2000. A friend introduced it to me.
ALBERT: I started off with steel tip darts 12 years ago and switched to soft-tip darts 2 years ago.


How often do you practice and what is your training routine?

JAMES: I throw darts at least 5 days a week, focusing on Half-It, Cricket and target practice on doubles 1 to 20 and bulls-eye
DARYL: I practice as and when I'm free at home or at my home ground. No specific routine. In the first place, I didn't expect to get this far in the Estate Bar La Rochelle selection event. There are other better darters who did not participate. Since the chance was given to me, I will go all out for it. My home ground, Yin’s Place, was very supportive of my trip to La Rochelle. They also accommodate my time to open the location for my practice.
ALBERT: I have been practicing darts 3 times a week for the last 1 year. Other than the usual cricket and 01, I practice by throwing 100 darts on each number.

What are your aspirations for the Team Singapore during the La Rochelle competition?

DARYL: I always wanted to represent Singapore and make my country proud. So this is my opportunity. My aim is to achieve my best and bring the champion trophy back.
JAMES: I am very excited about the competition and eagerly looking forward to winning this tournament.
ALBERT: I hope to gain more exposure and experience playing in the international darts scene as well as bringing back the champion trophy.

Join us in wishing these 3 players the very best of luck and lots of bull in the La Rochelle tournament in France!

The above is an excerpt of the interview. Read the complete interview in the "Hat Trick!", the 2009 magazine of the Medalist Singapore darters, launched at the Singapore Championship 2009.