Alan Soutar is back working a Dundee firefighter – after missing out on a New Year’s Day showdown with Gerwyn Price.
Arbroath ace Soutar clocked in at Dundee Kingsway East Fire Station along with his Green Watch colleagues on January 1st for his opening shift of 2023.
He could so easily have been 469 miles away in London, live on the Sky cameras, preparing to face Price in the PDC World Darts Championship quarter-final.
Defeat to Gabriel Clemens in the last 16 hit Soots, understandably, hard.
But when he reflects on the achievements of the last two years – which have seen him confirmed as world no. 32 – Soots should do so with pride.
“It’s a missed opportunity,” said Soutar.
“Gabriel had never beaten me before and maybe that’s something I was thinking about in practice.
“I knew I had every chance but I didn’t take my opportunity.
🎯 @soots180 is quickly proving he can handle the pressure of performing on the big stage but here’s a reminder that he knows what real pressure is. pic.twitter.com/t0k1HJIUzs
— Ewan Smith (@ewansmithpr) December 28, 2022
“But if I look back on it, I’ve now been in the last 16 of the World Championships twice in two years.
“Jonny Clayton has been in the PDC for almost a decade and only just made the last 16 – and now the quarter-final – this year.
“I’ve managed to get into the top 32 in two years. I don’t know how many have done that in the past – but it won’t be a lot.
Alan Soutar: I need a killer edge
“That’s incredible when I take stock of it. I know I can play darts but I don’t think I’ve got the killer edge yet.
“In those big moments, I need to get better.
“I tell everyone this is a hobby but I feel the pressure from Scotland.
“I felt it because Gary Anderson and Peter Wright both went out.
“There were a lot of people on social media wishing me to do something special.
Soutar pins a big one!!
Alan Soutar fires a lovely 104 checkout to level this second set! Will that kick start him in this tie?
He needs to raise his level here!#WCDarts | R4
📺 https://t.co/37DNuuK5Me pic.twitter.com/nPCVDmM158— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 30, 2022
“It just didn’t happen and that’s life.
“Nobody likes to get beat, you don’t want to get beat at anything you do. That’s a professional sport. That’s the best darts players in the world.
“I’m rubbing shoulders with them and giving them a bit of a scare but I want to do more than that.”
Soutar will begin 2023 in 32nd place in the world.
As he climbs higher up the rankings, he will be seeded for bigger TV tournaments.
He will be given an automatic bye to the fourth round of the UK Open in March, if he stays in the top 32.
Similarly, he will be seeded for Ally Pally next year if he holds his rankings spot – securing a minimum £15,000 prize pot.
It will also increase his commercial marketability and should lead to enhanced sponsorship and exhibition opportunities.
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