 Trina Gulliver believes her campaign to land a tenth World Darts Championship women’s title will be the most difficult yet. In the defending title-holder’s estimation, all eight competitors will travel to Frimley Green’s Lakeside Country Club with a genuine chance of success in a tournament that gets under way on Saturday. Cheddar’s Gulliver landed her ninth world crown with a 2-0 victory over Rhian Edwards in the final a year ago and did not drop a set throughout the event. Gulliver, nicknamed the Golden Girl, believes she will face a much sterner test of her credentials this time around. “I think if you look at the draw it’s probably the toughest it has been in the history of event,” said Gulliver, ahead of her opening match with Lisa Ashton. “Every year there is a strong field but this time it seems to be one of the most open tournaments yet. “All are playing well and they will all go there thinking they are in with a shout of winning. “Deta Hedman and Julie Gore are the top two seeds and they have both had excellent years, so will have a really good chance of success. “I play Lisa Ashton first and she also seems to be right on the top of her game at the moment. “We are England team-mates and good friends as well. We actually went on holiday together earlier in the year but all that gets put to one side on the oche. “We are both professionals and want to win the match, so will be going all out to do so. But once the match is over we will have a laugh at the bar again.” Despite her unparalleled success in the competition, Gulliver is only seeded third this year but she believes her vast experience of the Lakeside stage will be key if she is to emerge triumphant again. “I’m not seeded as high as normal but that’s because I’ve not played as many events as the rest of the girls,” she said. “I’ve been a lot more selective in the events that I travel to but all the ones I have been in, I’ve done really well. “I think I’ve made the final or even won most of the tournaments I’ve played in, which gives me a lot of confidence going forward. “I think I’m under the most pressure I’ve ever been under heading into the World Championships but I like to think that I thrive under the pressure. “Experience counts for a lot on that stage. This will be the 12th time the tournament has run. I’ve made the final 11 times before and won it nine times. “I’ll be going for my tenth world title and that is a big incentive. It would be the icing on the cake.” Gulliver is sponsored by Wedmore-based travel agents 2J Travel, who she would like to thank for their support this year.
Article by This Is Somerset - http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Trina-Gulliver-ready-toughest-Lakeside-title/story-14335688-detail/story.html
Date : 06-01-2012 |