The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
New finish is serving Soots well
The number 36 will forever be etched in the minds of Arbroath FC fans as lasting reminder of their world record 36-0 win over Bon Accord in 1885.
It’s also now playing a significant role in the rising fortunes of the town’s latest sporting superstar – darts ace Alan Soutar.
Soutar is into the quarterfinals of the £650,000 Grand Slam of Darts after Thursday’s win over world No 9 Jonny Clayton guaranteed the Arbroath star a minimum £25,000 prize.
After completing double-18 checkouts in his victories over Clayton, world champion Peter Wright and Fallon Sherrock, Soots is now the provisional world No 36.
Victory today over world No 12 Nathan Aspinall, who Soots beat in the group stages, will propel him into the top 32.
But while he’d happily continue his surge up the rankings, Soots has no intentions of moving away from his new favourite finish.
“I didn’t even think about the significance of double 18 until Arbroath FC posted about it on their Twitter,” said Soots.
“But because of what the number 36 means to Arbroath’s history, it’s a pretty cool coincidence.
“Double 18 is an absolute hero for me at the minute. I got it against Peter and Fallon before finishing my 114 checkout on it against Jonny.
“In days gone by I would have gone for treble 20, 14 and double 20 when I was on 114, but I’d have probably missed my dart at tops.
“I’ve had to change the set-up I’ve had for 30 years to continually leave 18s, but if it keeps going in, then stand by.”
Soots has sported an Arbroath pin badge on his top throughout his Grand Slam run as a nod to his home town and his success is capturing the imagination of the locals.
“It’s gone pretty mental back home,” added Soots.
“When I flick on to Facebook, I see posts from so many people in Arbroath who are watching darts for the first time to cheer me on.
“I want to do them and Scotland proud and by wearing an Arbroath badge and a 29 Commando pin on my top it gives me a link back to where I’ve come from.
“I’m loving every minute
of this run and I’m delighted I’m still here and playing on Saturday night TV.
“Pressure is for fire hoses, not me. I just go up there and play my game.”
If Soutar secures victory over Aspinall – and can stay in the world’s top 32 beyond next weekend’s Players Championships – he will be given a bye to the second round of the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace next month.
Success could come at a cost, though, as he is due in for a Monday dayshift at
Dundee Kingsway East Fire Station.
“If I win on Saturday and I reach the semi-final I don’t know how I’ll get back up the road for my shift on Monday,” added Soots.
“I don’t have my car in Wolverhampton and the only option will be a taxi or an Uber. My manager Paul has checked out Uber and it’s £500 from here to Dundee Kingsway East!
“Hopefully, I can get something sorted in case I reach the semis, but it’s definitely a good problem to have.”