WORLD DARTS FROM ALLY PALLY
Thornton: I’m fed up being a little Scots terrier, I want to be a big dog at the Ally Pally
ROBERT THORNTON wants to go from terrier to Rottweiler and ravage his rivals at London’s Alexandra Palace.
The Ayrshire ace is looking for a huge run at the World Championships after a frustrating year where he has struggled to reach his peak.
Thornton faces either Brendan Dolan or Alen Ljubic in tonight’s opening round.
And the Scotsman – tagged a terrier by opponents in the past for his refusal accept defeat – now wants to start ripping his rivals to bits.
Thornton said: “I never give up. I’ve always been a bit of a Scottish terrier.
“But maybe I need to add a bit more aggression to my game. Perhaps more Rottweiler than terrier.
“I’ve always been laid-back about my game. I never get too worried, if I get beat then so be it. It’s not a bad way to be. It means I don’t get caught up in mind games and keep my feet on the ground win or lose.
“But I’ve made a conscious decision to add an edge to my game. Maybe I’m too laid-back, maybe I need to be hurt more if I lose.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a good loser but I need to be a worse loser. I definitely need to be more angry and be a bit more of a worry to my opponent.
“I don’t want to be known as a soft touch. Players don’t fear me anymore. They knew before I was always a danger, never give up and on my day could beat anyone. This tough run has meant I’ve lost that edge about my game. It has to return now and I know I need to perform in London.”
Thornton realises a big fortnight at the Ally Pally can restore his ranking and his reputation. He added: “That’s the daft thing. In practice I’m still the same player as three or four years ago.
“Then when I get on stage that same player comes out now and again. I played great against James Richardson in the Players Championship then did nothing the next day against Chris Dobey.
“It’s finding consistency again. The player who beat Phil (Taylor) and Michael (van Gerwen) is still in there, it’s just finding that person every time I go on stage. It will surface at some stage but it needs to happen quick. I’ve slipped down the rankings a bit and I need to stop that.”
Jelle Klaasen is looking forward to kickstarting his career again with a win against Dutch countryman Jan Dekker.
Former BDO champion Klaasen has spent 12 months battling back from serious wrist surgery.
He said: “The worst thing about the surgery is, although it hurt like hell, I’d no real expectations before I had it.
“There wasn’t any pressure and I played well. But once I had the surgery, losing became a bigger disappointment.
“It took me a long time to get back to a decent level. I’m getting there. I told myself 2017 would be a lost year. Everything was about this Worlds and the hopes for a good 2018.”