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Monday 21st January 2008

Brian checks out of darts championship

Having come agonisingly close to becoming World Darts Champion, Brian ‘Pecker’ Woods was back at work, albeit briefly, at Neales Waste Management this week.

Brian battled on bravely with flu last week, something that was a major factor as he lost his semi-final against Simon Whitlock at the Lakeside in Surrey.

But he finally succumbed on his return to work on Tuesday, when, after clocking in, the flu that had dogged him all week took over and he had to retreat to his bed, via the doctors.

“I usually enjoy the week at the Lakeside,” he said, “But this time I’ve been in bed between each game, living on flu tablets and trying to get it out of my system.

“I went into work when I got back but was in no fit state.

“The reaction has been amazing since I got back and I can’t really get used to it. I was in Morrison’s to pick up my prescription and a wee lass was trying to take a picture of me on her phone. I could hear her mam telling her that she shouldn’t without permission because I was entitled to privacy!

“I just turned round and asked the kid if she wanted to have her photo taken with me, and she was chuffed to bits.”

Pecker won the hearts of the nation as he battled against some of the best darts players on the planet to reach the BDO World Championship semi-finals.

Determined not to let flu get the better of him, he won his first match 3-0 against Paul Hanvidge, and then dumped the heavily fancied Co Stompe out in round two.

In the quarter-final he beat Scott Waites before losing to Whitcock in the semi.

“I’m disappointed, because I had lots of chances at doubles in the match which I didn’t take, it was just one of those days.”

But far from putting Pecker off, his failed tilt at the title has only whet his appetite for more.

“I need a sponsor now so that I can go to all the big competitions. By getting to the semi final not only have I automatically qualified for next year’s world championship, but I have proven to potential sponsors that I can live with the best in the world.”