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It’s a special weekend for Berry van Peer as he returns to the Grand Slam of Darts for the first time since his dartitis attack at the tournament six years ago.
The Dutchman is known to many fans for his chronic struggles with the psychological condition which sees players unable to let go of the dart. Van Peer’s most high-profile bout occurred against Gary Anderson at the Grand Slam, then staged at Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall. Then just 21, Van Peer was visibly distressed and close to tears as he struggled to throw.
Brave Van Peer not only got through the match but also advanced to the knockout stage of the tournament thanks to group wins over Simon Whitlock and Cameron Menzies. At the time he vowed he would never let dartitis derail his career – and so it has proved.
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Having suffered another setback by losing his PDC Tour card at the end of last year, Van Peer has enjoyed a fabulous 2023, topping the Challenge Tour to not only book his place at the Grand Slam but at the World Championship at Alexandra Palace too.
At this year’s Grand Slam, at Wolverhampton's WV Active Aldersley, Van Peer will be reunited with referee Russ Bray, who was on the stage with him that night in 2017. The legendary official, renowned for his growling ‘180’ announcements, did his best to support and encourage the youngster.
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“The crowd were on his back because he couldn’t release the dart, and he’s playing one the best players there’s ever been in Gary Anderson,” recalled Bray in an interview with Daily Star Sport. “Gary ended up beating him and the poor kid was in tears, he was actually crying.
“When he came to shake my hand [at the end of the match], I just grabbed hold of him and said, ‘Forget about the crowd, don’t worry about that, you are a good dart player’.
“I just gave him a load of positives really. I wanted to give him a bit of a cuddle, a bit of reassurance, a bit of compassion. That’s what the boy needed at that given time.”
Numerous players have struggled with dartitis over the years, including five-time world champion Eric Bristow and women’s sensation Beau Greaves. Bray is both thrilled and inspired with how Van Peer has defied the condition.
“Anyone who can overcome that type of thing is fantastic,” said Bray. “Dartitis means you mentally can’t throw the dart. For him to get over that, it shows how strong the lad is mentally. To achieve what he’s done since then is absolutely remarkable, it really is.
“One of the most famous players in darts, Eric Bristow, never really got over it. I look forward to seeing Berry up there.”
Van Peer, who has been drawn in a group with Jonny Clayton, Chris Dobey and Josh Rock, begins his group stage campaign on Saturday afternoon against Clayton.
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