Hot on the heels of a couple of great chats with Jeff Smith and Adam Stella I had a chance to chat with another up and coming canadian darter, and it looks like he just might take off like a rocket.   He is passionate and articulate, and I hope you all enjoy my conversation with him.  


Tblacblog:   First of all, congratulations on securing a major sponsorship deal with Winmau.  As a young (22 year old?) North American player that is a pretty big accomplishment!
On your road to getting there, I think is obviously your performance in Las Vegas.  I am sure by now you have heard PDC Chairman Barry Hearn's commentary about your play during your match with Dave Cameron.  Obviously, Barry has to sell the brand, but clearly Mr. Hearn was impressed by what he saw in your potential.  I can imagine that this would be a boost to your confidence, but does it also add some pressure, and if so, do you welcome the pressure and how do you handle it?

Dawson: It just makes the whole experience more fun for me. I love doing what I’m doing and I’m really just enjoying the whole process of becoming a professional. I always enjoy pressure, especially when it’s coming from a good place. I just make sure to prepare myself well for the task at hand and just get on with it. Handling pressure situations is the biggest part of playing darts professionally, so I’m definitely doing what I can to handle it in the best way possible to give myself the best chance of being a top ranked professional one day.

Tblacblog: Well now that you have a new sponsor, and that you will be living full timer in the U.K. to pursue darts, what is the thing you would most like to improve and/or correct in your game?
..and speaking of new sponsors how did that happen?  is it something you were expecting or was it a big surprise?

Dawson:  Basically I’d like to win more and beat more people. At this point for me, I’m constantly working on upping my game and my averages with different practice routines to improve my game all around. 

The sponsors started coming aboard after my TV debut in Vegas, but my manager Will with ZWA sports management came on earlier this year before Vegas. I’ve been playing really well overseas now and a lot of people have started to take notice I think. Unfortunately just haven’t had my big, big break yet but that will just come with time.

Tblacblog: OK, by saying you are using practice games to bring up your averages, does that mean that it is essentially a system of improvement by doing, and that you don't specifically focus on individual mechanics like keeping your elbow level and keeping your stroke consistent and all that, maybe developing on the more intuitive/natural side of things, or am I reading too much into that?

Dawson:  When it comes to mechanics, I’ve been playing long enough that it comes second nature to me now. Sometime you can pick up bad habits which are important to take care of right away. I’ll usually do this by dedicating a few hours in practice to fixing it and it will go back to normal.

Tblacblog: So are you great at darts because you love it, or do you love darts because you are great at it, and as a follow up to that, at what point did you know that darts was it for you?

Dawson:  I think I’ve had success with darts because I love it so much. I love the head to head nature of it - which is why I’ve never really been a big fan of playing doubles or anything. I went to our local youth league one Sunday afternoon and all of the people there were very nice to me and made me feel included so that’s what got my interest. But then my first year at the youth nationals, I made the final. So my first time playing on the stage at nationals was how I knew this is what I want to do.

Tblacblog: Well, I think most of the people I know who are about are really into darts would prefer a one v one rather than doubles or triples or what have you.
That being said, how much is a singles match a head to head against your opponent and how much is it a head to head against yourself and just focusing on playing your game?  Is it one or the other or a bit of both?  
?

Dawson: A lot of players starting out will try and say that you just play the board. Yes, darts can often be a battle against yourself but you need to play the person in front of you. The top players will find ways and dig deep to play just a little better than their opponent. If they’re hitting 15 dart legs, you need to raise your game and hit a 12 dart leg to break their throw. One of the things John Part was always known for was playing good enough to cross the winning line - which made him so hard to beat. He found a way to play just a bit better than his opponent was playing consistently - which is how he’s won three world championships and been so successful over the years. For me, it doesn’t matter if my opponent threw a 75 average or a 105 average, all I care about is getting the win and playing the darts I need to do so because winning is everything. It doesn’t matter how you played or what you averaged as long as you get the win.


Tblacblog:   John Part is a legend, not just for canada, but for the game, but he is currently ranked 159 on the PDC order of merit.  and 90th in the Canadian rankings.  Meaning no slight to John, why do you think he slid back so much, and do you see him having the hunger and working his way back up the rankings?  

Dawson:  John is a great player. He’s taken me under his wing when we’ve been at the same tournaments and we’ve been warming up together as well. I think he still has that hunger and he’s more than capable. I’ve seen it in the warmups and a bit from the exhibition tour. The man is still very, very capable. I think he just needs a big run in a big PDC tournament to get his footing again and once he does that, look out.

Tblacblog​: ..and you mention working on being a 'top ranked professional'.  How far do you see yourself going and do you automatically set your sights there, or do you break it up into smaller goals/challenges to focus on?

Dawson:  I focus on playing one match at a time and beating everyone I play. But the end goal is to be a world champion and a world number one player someday. I know I have the potential to do anything I want to do - I just need to keep focused, keep practicing hard and keep believing in myself. 

Tblacblog:   also backing up a second to where you were discussing playing against your opponent and needing to hit 12 dart legs if they are throwing 15 darts legs.  If you can hit a 12 dart leg, because someone hit a 15 dart leg, it really just means you can hit 12 dart legs. 
 So then, maybe you need the competitive pressure to get that extra bit of focus?
To me I see a Van Gerwen and he is just doing his own thing and shooting 12 darters anyway, without too much concern for any opponent not named Phil.

Dawson:  Playing in England against these guys consistently teaches you to find that extra gear when you need it. That’s what a lot of North American players don’t understand is that you need to be playing over here and spend a year or two getting beat before you can learn to win over here. A lot of these guys have that extra gear which makes them very hard to beat. The competitive pressure definitely helps to shift you into that gear. The only way to describe it is a switch and I’m still learning to switch it on command but I’m getting better at it.

Tblacblog:  Your opponent is ahead of you and will be getting down to the double before you.  You know you have to put pressure on their throw.  You don't deliver, and in fact score something horrible like an 11.  Your opponent then takes it out, or alternatively you do score well but miscount and end up on a  bogey number.  how do you deal with and/or avoid bad turns and mistakes like that?

Dawson:  Practice and experience. The biggest thing is to avoid putting yourself in those situations by rising to the occasion and focusing on the task in hand. But when things like that happen, it’s important to completely put it out of your mind and not let it affect your next turn. This takes time but eventually you start to just focus on the next shot instead of the last one.

Tblacblog:   Kinda like a goalie who has let in a bad goal?

Dawson:  Exactly. I actually used to play goalie in hockey for 9-10 years so that aspect of the game came relatively easy and natural for me.

Tblacblog:   No doubt being able to quickly set aside mistakes is a great competitive asset to have.  Would you say this is your greatest mental/psychological asset you bring to your game, or would it be something more still?

Dawson:   I think my greatest asset mentally is my focus and ability to shut things out when they’re going wrong or someone is trying to put me off. I’ve gotten really good at playing my own game over the past year or two. But my other big mental asset I think is my ability to rise to occasions. I play way better against better players and in bigger situations. But I’ve just started to learn this since Vegas. Vegas was a big turning point in my game when it came to handling big situation and big moments and rising to occasions. I put so much pressure on myself in Vegas but I’ve learned now to rise above it.

DBC:   OK so other than darts, you also have something called Finlay Bridge Outfitters. What is that, what is your role in it, and is this something that will continue once you are full time into the darts in the UK?  

Dawson:    Finlay Bridge Outfitters is a clothing line I started earlier this year. I am the owner and only employee as of now and it has been quite successful this year. When I’m away playing, my family will help me out and deliver stuff or ship stuff while I’m away. 

Tblacblog:  Can we expect anything new soon, like maybe a new Dawson Murschell signature dart?

Dawson:   
I’m working with Winmau to release the perfect dart for me in the new year. They’ve been great to work with and I have the final prototype ready and we are set to go into production soon. And let me tell you, they are one of the nicest and coolest looking darts I’ve come across.

I’m also coming out with an Awesome Dawson shirt within the next couple of months I believe. I’ve been working through the designs and actually developing the shirts within my own clothing company. 

Tblacblog:  Your nick name, 'Awesome Dawson' is one of the better names out there, although 'Brazilliant' is pretty darn good too.  Other than yourself, which is your favourite dart's nickname? 

Dawson:  I’m definitely going to have to give that one to SuperChin, although Braziliant is up there with the best.

Tblacblog:  Thank you for taking the time, this has been really enjoyable from my side of things.  Did you have any other news or anything you wanted to say to the readers and/or your fan, or even to Barry Hearn, who I am pretty sure reads every episode of this blog...?

Dawson:   Just want to say thank you to everyone for the support over the years. Couldn’t be doing this without all of the support from everyone back home. Also - big shoutout to Adam Stella for the daily pump up talks before Q school. And if you are reading this Barry - big shout out to you as well for cutting out entry fees for pro tour events. That man is always moving forward, never standing still.

Tblacblog: Cheers, and again much thanks Dawson!  Hope you and your family have a great Christmas and a Awesome new year. 

Dawson:  No problem mate. Thanks!  You as well.

​

Cosmo Dart Player, and Oromocto New Brunswick resident, Adam Stella took the time to have a talk with Dart Board Chats.  We covered a lot of topics, including the infamous 'bulls eye incident' from the TOC.  Read on to learn everything that went down, and more!  

​
DBC: You just had a pretty successful weekend at the Bob Jones tournament.  You didn't win the big prize but you had some big showings, including knocking out a three time world champion.  Did you go in to the event confident that this kind of success was in your grasp?

Adam Stella: Yes absolutely I went into it confident, my practice and preparation was great and I know what kind of success I can have when I put time in. I believe I can have success at any tournament, I’m used to playing top notch guys in the Maritimes, the number of entries are smaller but  to get to a final back home you usually have to face the Dave Cameron’s Jeff Smith Kylie Edmunds And so on. And this was my second BDO final in 2 months I lost the BDO potato open final to nick smith at the end of September so I knew it was in grasp.

DBC:  OK well, really can't have a darts interview without talking about practice.  How do you approach your practice in terms of practice strategy (and/or) philosophy, and who or what has influenced how you practice? 

Adam Stella:  Well I try to get a hour of practice in day might be four separate sessions but try to fit it in when I can. Strategy wise I usually start off with finishing games working on my doubles but it really depends on how I’m throwing, if I’m confident on my scoring I’ll work more on finishes and vice versa. Jeff Smith has been a big influence in my practice routines he has always gave me advice since I started and same goes with Dave Cameron it’s the little things they help you with that makes a difference in my game . So when those guys talk I listen, and I think with Jeff’s success in the last few years overseas it really has North America buzzing to play darts which is great.

DBC:  and how important is practice in the mix, when you include things like self belief, natural talent, and game experience?

Adam Stella: Practice is really important. You can believe you are self feel confident all you want but without practice you’re never going to be able to get the true confidence to win. That being said, game experience I feel, is the greatest key to success, but I also think the right setup in equipment let’s you build your confidence which makes you want to practice.

DBC:  By this you mean having the right stems/flights with a set of darts that is right for you?  On that subject, is there an Adam Stella signature dart and if not can we expect one?

Adam Stella:  Yes exactly what I mean. Well Cosmo/FitFlight signed me this last April and have been working with me for the last 4 months designing my signature darts. They been great at creating a dart that’s perfect for me. And I think that’s why this year I have been having so much success so far. It’s a great feeling of confidence when your dart feels perfect and I’m grateful for what they have done

DBC:  Yeah, I'm a FitFlight user myself so I know what you mean.  Strange that they still get so much resistance from some players.  Please let me know when the signature dart is released!  
Now, as far as darts growing in popularity (and quality) in Canada, I think I agree with you.  However in your final game on the weekend I was among just a handful of people watching the big game between you and the eventual champ Shawn Clohecy.  Darts in Canada seems to be healthy for participants, but not quite so much an audience.  What needs to happen to change that, should it change, and is that change already happening?

Adam Stella:  Well I think this past weekend the audience was so low in attendance because it was Sunday and nine pm before the finals got under way. A lot of people driving four to five hours to get home or catching planes. I think if they played the singles Saturday morning so the finals was around three or four pm they would have a crowd for sure. But I’m sure as tournament directors that are guaranteeing so much money they have to be smart. If singles was Saturday chances are they would lose a lot of people for the other team events which would lose them a lot of revenue in registration and bar sales. But I think if big companies would start throwing money into darts in North America you could change all of that and could run tournaments in the manner needed to create a atmosphere and a time frame that suits most

And the resistance from some players is I think they just see the price not the quality.  Be like buying a Mercedes or Ford tempo your paying for what u get and in the long run that’s quality and performance

DBC:   OK, well then at least you and I can agree a set of fit flight flights are cheaper than a set of paper flights that get smushed when you are putting them on, never mind playing! 
Now, as far as bigger companies sponsoring Darts, I personally look to Curling as to what could happen.  Are things happening? is there any effort that you know about,, whether through the NDFC or some other bodies to sell darts as a valid sponsorship opportunity to the bigger companies?

Adam Stella:  Exactly curling, golf all of those sports are doing the right things. I see nothing coming from the NDFC as for advertising or anything of that sorts to create sponsorship opportunities, they need some eager people to change the way it is operated. To me it seems like they are operating this part of the organization like you would in the 19th century not the 20th everything now need advertising on the internet not a billboard or magazine and I hope people start realizing this because I believe the opportunity in Canada is huge but changes need to be made in the NDFC operations for that to happen. As in professional live  streams at all the majors, which would create perfect opportunities for big companies to be advertised which might make them take a look at us.

DBC:    Well this is almost reminiscent of what happened with the BDO with the number of televised games affecting opportunities for the players.   Obviously Canada doesn't have a Barry Hearn, so not saying to re-invent the PDC, but how do you think a player organized Canadian version of Premiere League Might work?  Invite/top seeds only with each match live streamed and hosted in cities that would actually have decent concentrations of media (Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax etc.) and then make a effort to invite said media...  and create some actual hype for the event... and maybe have some real sponsors start looking?  

Adam Stella:  I think that’s what we need a player organization or an organization gearing to make this game huge. Look at the CDC in the USA they started a few years back and they have a qualifying school to get into the events and run it like professional circuit. Canada needs something like this. Too much talent and opportunity to let it go to waste.

DBC:  OK and just really quickly,  I also have a question for you from one of my readers.  'Jeff' from Hampton New Brunswick asks "What opportunities do feel are the best option right now as either a steel tip player, or a soft tip player. Payout or trips etc?"

Adam Stella: Well Jeff from Hampton (laughs). I feel soft tip has more opportunity at the moment, due to the remote play an organization like the partners promoting darts are doing great things, with so many members in there system there tournament of champions is paying out almost a million us dollars. And this is creating opportunities with big payouts to change people’s darting careers. And all the qualifiers for this are done in your home town bar which is more cost efficient, and every 90 days the partners promoting darts has a singles and doubles tournament which pays out huge money. So at the moment I’d have to lean towards soft tip for the best opportunity. But hopefully we can get steel tip geared in the same direction

DBC:  Well funny you should mention the whole webcast thing.  I just noticed that the NHL has an affiliated hockey league called 'Elite' in the U.K.  and I found that on their website they give the option of buying tickets or buying the webcast.   Whether or not you charge for the webcast, do you think something like this, just having it so readily available from the official league website, would be a good move for darts? 
http://pointstreaksites.com/view/eliteicehockey/tickets-and-webcasts

Adam Stella:  100% think it’s a great idea it gives people easy access to view the sport. It creates fans easily and we all know once you get fans of a sport, money starts rolling into organizations. Merchandise, ticket sales, endorsements and sponsorship opportunities. I believe these are the steps needed to be taken not only in Canada but all of North America.

DBC: and well why not a Canadian version of the CDC, I mean that is just as American version of the PDC...  if not that, then what is keeping the NDFC from evolving?  Is it maybe conflicting mandates?  If so how do you resolve it?

Adam Stella:  Canadian version of the CDC would be great. The hard part is locations and the cost of air fare in Canada is ridiculous. I honestly think it would work just need to really think of locations that are feasible for all of Canada to fly into and play. But honestly don’t know what’s keeping the NDFC from evolving but kinda wish it did. I don’t really know if anyone knows what the plan is in the future from the NDFC or if they have any great plans for the future I don’t think anyone knows  it seems to be a big topic lately with the players.

DBC:   Well that is a big problem, but maybe airfares won’t be as big an issue if the payouts for winning get bigger? Could you see that happening?

Adam Stella:  Bigger payouts makes it easier for sure, or eventually be nice to see an organization making a deal with an airline which would be great

DBC:  Some would argue that by making darts more commercial you might force out grass-roots players.  Do you think this is a danger, and how would you ensure the growth of participation at entry levels? 
and as far as a Canadian/north American pro-circuit, how would you feel about getting a slate of top North American players, getting a professional company on board to handle the webcasts, and then sending you on to Dragons Den to get the money to promote it? 

Adam Stella: Honestly I hear people talking and have great ideas but no one has stepped up. We are all good at making comments, but no one does anything, really, from what I see. So we need, as players, someone to step up and get things rolling.
The north American idea you mentioned would be perfect. There would be so many great matches and rivals with a Canada/USA format, it would make great TV.

DBC:  Well, not sure either of us are the ones to get that going, so back to regular dart interview questions, who is your favourite player? 

Adam Stella:  Garry Anderson is my favourite player of all time but I really like watching Darren Webster. I had a chance to meet and hang out with him for a few days in Kansas a few weeks ago one of the nicest funniest guys I have met.

DBC:  OK and at the recent TOC in soft tip there was an incident between you and Tony Martin.  First off, what is your version of events, and secondly, was there no neutral third party to observe the diddle?  What happened here and is there any lingering misgivings or is now just in the past?

Adam Stella:  Well he threw at the bull just outside the middle I️ threw hit a double. I️ walked up pushed my dart up to show him, I️ turned my head and looked at him. He nodded acknowledging it so I️ pulled the darts. As I️ went to pass him his darts back he says he didn’t see it. Soooo ref comes over we redid for he wins. Then the red indicated that there was video footage but tony said we already re-diddled so at this point I️ was so frustrated I️ said whatever. Only misgiving was Tony's interview after when he totally explained the whole situation backwards
 
DBC:   Will you do or approach things any differently in the future to make sure that something like this bulls eye incident doesn't happen again?

Adam Stella:  Yes for sure I will. It was a hard way to learn a lesson. Definitely made me not trust my opponent anymore (laughs) and you will never see me, I mean never see me, pull the darts, ever again, and I’ll always make sure the ref is watching. And if something like this does occur I won’t be throwing a second bull. (laughs)

DBC:   and speaking of the future, what does that future hold for Adam Stella in the world of darts?

Adam Stella:  Well the future is going to see me play a lot more soft tip for sure I mean the money is there so why not. But if I get keep my steel tip game improving I think you will see me go to PDC Q school and take a shot at a tour card.

DBC:  Well best of luck to you Adam, and thanks for taking the time to do this chat. 

Adam Stella:  You are very welcome.  Thank you for having me.  

Well I didn't think it would happen, but thanks to a bit of luck and some generous friends and family I actually made it out to the 22nd Bob Jones Memorial Dart Tournament. 
Considering that the biggest dart tournament I had attended up to that point was the Darts Ontario 'Zone Shoots', I must say I think I picked a good one as my first real tournament to attend. 

While at first I thought the tournament was hosted near the base, it turns out I was wrong, and it is actually on base in the 'Astra Lounge, home of the 'Earl of Bessborough' a decent little pub, that I think was staffed with civilians, but can't say for 100%.  CFB (Canadian Forces base) Trenton is home to 8 Wing, which provides the Canadian military with strategic lift capability, as well as SAR (Search and Rescue) operations.  The Bar is in fact named for the 9th Earl of Bessborough, who as Governor General laid the cornerstone at the base's opening in 1931, and was opened by 8 Wing Commander Colonel Colin Keiver as an 'all ranks' social house where members could talk and interact.
On this weekend however, the Earl was taken over by dart players, and it was quite a buzz and quite a decent sized crowd. It was also for the most part a pretty friendly crowd.  I knew that people were there to play, and/or hang out with their friends in the down times so I didn't make any real attempts to hob nob, but just about everyone had a smile for me.  

Well yes, and in fact quite a few of them.  I am not sure I actually kept track of them, but among the Canadian players was darting legend Bob Sinnaeve, Ross Snook, Maria Mason, Adam Stella, Dave Cameron, Trish Grzesik, and of course three time world champion John Part.  (and more!) 
There were also a few American players I recognized, but since all of their names start with 'K' I am embarrassed to say I forgot who was who. 
Of all of them, I think I liked watching Grzesik throw the most, as there is an awesome smoothness to her throw.  Although I must say that I find it cool that my friend Ethel finished ahead of her. Go Teng! 

I watched one of John Parts matches (which he won) and let me tell you, he was in a grouchy mood.  To his credit he did say that he only complained when he won (because if you complain when you lose you're an asshole).  i wish I could have asked him about some of the stuff he was complaining about, as I think he likely had a valid point, but at the time he really wasn't in a listening mood.
By the end of the event Part was in a better mood, as I even snapped a picture of him with some friends of mine from Toronto, who had also attended. 
Well, grouchy or not, it was still cool to see a legend, not just of Canadian darts, but of darts history, play the game.  
​I wonder if they'll ever give him the Order of Canada? 

The men's final pitted Adam Stella against 'Wicked Wannabe' Shawn Clohecy.  
This had been a great weekend for Stella, who had won the mixed triples, the men's four man, and the men's doubles and placed second in the singles cricket.  For the final, he would have to settle for another 2nd place, as Clohecy took the day.  "My heart wont stop pounding" he commented afterwards, his face clearly showing his elation at having won the event. 

One thing that I did find strange, was that I was among about only ten or so people that watched the final.  I suppose people have their own lives and want to get going back home, but it also strikes me, that for some their interest ends when it is no longer about them.  This is my first of these tournaments, so I can't really judge, or say for certain that next time I wont be one of those people that leave once I'm knocked out, but I do think that as a sport darts in Canada, if it is to flourish must be come to be known more as a spectator sport than it is a participant sport.  

Well, either way, I'm glad I stuck around to watch. Full credit, by the way to Lakeside bound Dave Cameron who not only stuck around, but marked the final.  I spoke briefly with Cameron a few times during the event and he seemed a gent and a fine ambassador for Canadian darts. 

Adam Stella was gracious enough to take a few moments to do a quick interview for Dart Board Chats.  It isn't long, but what what we learn is a shocker for the world of darts.
==============================================================
DBC:  Hi Adam, I have a darts blog and was wondering if you could do a super quick, one question interview?

Adam Stella: yeah sure, go for it!

DBC:  Is it true that you taught Jeff Smith everything he knows about darts?

Adam Stella: 100%!  I'm also glad that you recognize that fact! 
==========================================================
As you can see, all in good fun, but expect a bit longer (and a tiny bit) more serious of an interview in the next edition of the blog! 

All things considered, i did alright actually.  My first and foremost plan was just to go there and have fun and soak everything in, and on that mission accomplished.
My other plan was to keep my nerve throughout, and push comes to shove I think I mostly did that as well. 
Hindsight being 20/20 though, next time around I would do one major thing differently.  That is, get a proper sleep the night before the main singles shoot. 
To start the shoot, well I was doing fine, great even, but then I just ran out of gas and any ability whatsoever to focus.  I think that this was the difference between making it out of the round robin group and not.  
I felt disappointed, knowing that I could have done better, and that disappointment has lingered with me for a few days, but now I know what to do better for next time.  
As far as playing tournaments vs playing league darts, well if I have to choose I'll take the tournaments. 
Ok and join me next time where we will have a Full Adam Stella Interview!  

See you all next time!  Thanks as always for reading!!  

Well, thanks to a couple of good friends and some unexpected good grace from the lovely folks at the Canada Revenue Agency it looks like I will be able to go to the Bob Jones tournament after all. 
So, now that I have a room booked, and train tickets paid for what exactly is my 'mission' once I get there?
Well, as I have said before, first and foremost I want to go there and soak in the experience and enjoy it all, to get my feet wet. 
That being said, it isn't that I don't want to compete or be competitive.   I am 110% capable of throwing darts that would make me competitive, I know this, because I do it in practice and I make my practices pretty tough.  Except, we know that it is hard to replicate what we do in practice while in an actual game, under the sway of nerves and adrenaline.
The biggest secret, I have been finding, as far as dealing with nerves in darts, (other than making sure the practices are tough enough) is simply exposure to the things and circumstances that illicit the response and giving yourself the chance to adapt and adjust.  Hence, my 'soak in the experience' idea.
Yet, maybe there is a little bit more I can do, to make this experience enjoyable, as well as an opportunity to learn and grow stronger as a player. 
I would sincerely love to show up and throw the best darts of my life, and who knows I might, but if I EXPECT that of myself, then I am just setting myself up for disaster.  On the oche, and on each and every throw I can be focused and dialed in as I can possibly be, but to even start thinking about outcomes before a dart is even thrown is maybe of itself a pitfall. 
So my missions to myself (should I choose to accept it) is to take everything I have learned about mental excellence in sport (and darn tootin' this is a sport!) and try my best to apply it here.  

So what will this entail... ?

1. The ever present 'have fun' (and I wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't)
2. Don't 'time travel' to either possible outcomes/consequences or dwell on past performances.
3. Stay in the moment and on task.  
4. Recognize when my focus slips, and without chastising myself, bring myself back into focus.
5. Be oblivious to mistakes, errors or bad throws. Dwelling on them only hurts me.
6. Assess all the possible distractions that are there that are beyond my control and see them for what they are, so I can focus on my job, on what I can control. 
7. Accept that the event is an opportunity to learn and grow and not a 'test'.
8. View my opponents as a resource. The best teaching tool I could possibly have.
9. Play with confidence, speak and listen with humility and an open mind. 
10. Fear no one.  
11. Believe (both the 'will be' and the 'I am') 
12. Go in with much to learn and nothing to prove.
13. Remember that even with the worst nerves I know how to keep my focus and make the shot.
14. when I'm on 119 don't go 20's . ;-) 

OK, well possibly a tall order once I am 'in the heat of battle' but that is what I am going to try to do.  
Of course, I can't predict, so really I will just have to take this as a first step in to new territory, and well, just have fun with it.

So what do you all think of my mental checklist?  Anything I'm missing?  Anything you just plain ol' disagree with? 

Also, I am going regardless, but if you still wanted to support my trip it would still help a lot and be greatly appreciated.  

You'll feel really cool about this once I become world famous and you can say you helped me get there
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All in all happy to be going.  It should be a lot of fun, and my first time in Trenton in decades.  I'll try to have a write up and a few pics of the town and the darts to post up on here.

Thank you all, as always for reading.

'The Prophecy'
Dave Fox Sproull

The fact of the matter is, that no matter how much i do in  practice I am not going to get truly better, not going to grow, until I challenge myself in real games, against real and serious players, in real pressure situations.

This means going out to some of the bigger and ranked tournaments, and maybe getting knocked around a little, but also developing that important wealth of experience.  To improve my bottle as much as my ballistics.

As you all know, however I have had a terrible string of bad luck with my health and my life. 
This means either giving up on going to any tournaments at least for this year, or trying to find alternate means of funding.

So, I have made a gofundme campaign.  if you want to help and are able to , i would really appreciate it.  
I would also be open to any ideas people might have for me to raise funds.  

                               -==   Dave's First Big Dart Tournament ==-
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I am certainly willing to host advertising or guest blog space here. but I think you all know you wont be reaching billions of people, but the space is there if that is what it takes to get me there.

I will be the first one to tell you that there are more worthy causes to give to, especially when most of us are on tight budgets, but I also know I'm not going to get there without help.

As of writing this I have at least one donation and not super far that I need to go, so I hope you all might consider getting me there a little bit at a time.

Oh and if by some miracle I'm the only one to not eat the Tuna casserole and I win the singles competition at this event, I would automatically be qualified for the World Masters, where the really big kids in darts play.

There is a widget below where you donate if you wish.  If you cannot contribute, please consider sharing this campaign.  I don't have a lot of time.

To all of you, thanks as always for reading.  

The Prophecy
Dave Fox Sproull

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