Young Dutch darts player Berry van Peer overcame his problems on Monday night to qualify for the last-16 of the Grand Slam of darts.
Throughout the tournament, Van Peer has been suffering from 'dartitis', the struggle to throw a dart once he steps up to the oche. The 21-year-old broke down in tears during his defeat to Gary Anderson on Sunday. He had been offered the chance following that match to withdraw from the competition.
Despite the loss, Van Peer was still in with a chance of progression due to his victory over Simon Whitlock on Saturday.
In a drama-filled deciding leg of last night's match, Van Peer overcame both Cameron Menzies and his darts demons.
With the match tied at 4-4, both players missed chances to win. As he stood at the oche, just needing a double 20, shouts of 'just throw your fucking dart' could be heard from the crowd. Van Peer would miss the require double.
Fortunately for him, though not for Menzies, the Scot would then fail to take threes chances to claim victory. On his next visit to the oche, Van Peer would hit double 10 to win.
Wauw... no words..😶
— Berry van peer (@Berry_vp) November 13, 2017
Both players were visibly emotional at the match's conclusion.
Van Peer said over the weekend that he has been suffering from the problem for the last few months. He thought he had found a way past his struggles at the recent World Youth Championships only for them to return.
He told PDC.tv after the match that he has been receiving help.
I'm feeling good because I won but it was tough for me - I feel like I'm dreaming. I'd have been happy just to win a couple of legs in every game, but then I won my first game.
It was an unbelievable match today. I got some tips and they've really helped me through the game. I tried to compose myself every time, I started well and to win was great but it was so hard. I've qualified for this for a reason and I wanted to enjoy it, and I can say I stood there and achieved more than I could hope for.
Berry van Peer emotionally defies his problems with dartitis to reach the Grand Slam of Darts knockout stages
Bravery rewarded #GSOD pic.twitter.com/ZGsyHEHuyj
— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) November 13, 2017
