Soots ‘back to reality’ after darts defeat

ALAN Soutar’s fairytale run at the PDC World Darts Championship came to an end with defeat to Callan “The Riot” Rydz.

Soutar, pictured, crashed to a 4-1 loss to The Riot after the English star stormed back from losing the first set with some sensational darts.

Soots will still walk away with a £35,000 cheque for reaching the last 16 and has soared up to 51st in the world rankings.

But his dream of playing at Alexandra Palace in the new year was ended and he will instead be back in his role as a firefighter at Dundee Kingsway East station.

“I don’t even have a flight home booked yet but I’ll sort that,” said Soots.

“I’ve got tomorrow off because I managed to get a swap but it’s nights on January 1 and January 2.

“It’s back to reality.

“I want to cry. I’m absolutely gutted because I didn’t turn up.

“But credit to Callan, he was outstanding.”

Soutar fielded messages from a host of top stars after his win over world No 5 de Sousa.

Scotland stars Andy Robertson and John McGinn both got in touch via Twitter.

And Arbroath manager Dick Campbell sent Soots an inspirational video prior to the Rydz clash.

But it was the manner of the Ally Pally wins that had made his tournament so special.

He came from behind to take out both Suljovic and de Sousa in dramatic style – with 144 and 136 checkouts.

The clash against Rydz was always going to be a stern test.

Not only did Soots have to face the cauldron of noise in a Scotland-England clash but his opponent was bang on form.

Rydz had cruised into the last 16 without dropping a single set.

It took Soutar less than 15 minutes to change that as he broke Rydz’ throw and claimed the first set.

Rydz bounced straight back to take a 2-0 lead in the second set.

And while Soutar took the third leg with a stunning 110 checkout it was not enough to prevent Rydz from squaring it up at 1-1.

The English star then opened up with a incredible 122 checkout and followed that up with a 94 to cruise to a 2-1 lead.

Rydz then finished the final two sets in record time to reach the quarter-final.

For Soutar, he can feel proud of his Ally Pally achievements.

“I’ve got a little bit of bottle,” said Soutar. “But I’ve got to learn to deal with that in there.

“It’s hard when the crowd are singing against you.

“Gerwyn Price knows how to do it and still performs.

“I’m soaking with sweat. I can feel it trickling down to my socks.

“I’m learning. It’s my first year and I’m already sitting at 51st in the world. I’ll be back.”