Vincent back to his best

VINCENT VAN DER VOORT is storming through the Worlds just 12 months after limping out of the Palace and quitting the game.

The Dutchman, 42, is savouring his return to form after a savage back injury threatened his career.

Van der Voort officially retired a year ago when the agony of defeat in both his mind and his body led him to give up.

He said: “When I walked out of the Alexandra Palace a year ago, that was it.

“I didn’t want to go on any more. I had the feeling that was it. I couldn’t compete with the best any longer.

“I returned home and my wife said to me she thought it was too soon.

“She said she wanted me to give everything for two more years and, if it didn’t work, try something else but I would regret it if I didn’t try.

“I put in the hard work and I remember January, February and March being in a lot of pain.

“I was going to the gym and every muscle in my body hurt yet I was still losing first and second rounds. I was thinking this is a waste of time.

“But I committed to something and had to keep working hard. Middle of the year I started to get results on the Euro Tour and having some joy out of it again.

“Then later, I started to lose easily again and it was up and down. It was about continuing to do the things I was doing well and it has happened at this tournament.”

Van der Voort’s work has paid off with wins over Dave Chisnall and Steve Beaton setting up a tasty last-16 tie tomorrow with countryman Raymond van Barneveld.

He said: “This is as good as I’ve felt for a while.

“Before the first round I was feeling insecure. I was practising hard but you never know.

“I won against Dave then I played even better in the second round. It has given me so much confidence.

“I’ll have to play better to beat Raymond but it’s about trying to enjoy yourself and competing.”