Ted Hankey Interview Given To Winmau
Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2011 2:30 pm
http://www.winmau.com/news/1016/Ted_Hankey_Interview/
Ted, you’ve been around for a long time – when did you start to play darts?
I started to play darts when I was 9 with a few mates, and we soon got involved with the local pub side and it went from there.
What was your first big success?
I’d won many open events, but my biggest first success was winning the Dutch Open in 1999.
That was a very special win for me.
Why do you think it’s so hard to win the Lakeside Title back-to-back?
The year after winning the Lakeside World Championship is such a busy one that in a strange way your darts practice can get pushed to the side a bit. You only need to lose a little focus and the other guys who are in form will take your place. The talent and standard of the players in the BDO is extremely high, as many players who would not be known on the High Street regularly throw 30 plus averages against you.
How did you get on with the guys on the PDC?
I’ve got great friends who play on the PDC circuit and so there is no split off the oche. The rivalry is healthy and adds some spice to games.
Do you like playing on stage?
I love it more than anything else, the buzz of a packed crowd and TV cameras is what we all strive for.
Does the crowd still affect you?
If fans are hell bent on showing no respect for players on their throw then it can affect me.
Everyone thinks I’m the “bad boy” but I’m far from it. Booing has become part of the drama, but when players are throwing they should respect that so we can put on the best possible show.
Can you earn a good living playing on the BDO?
You can earn a good living on the BDO but as events tend to be at the weekend you need to do something to keep you busy in the week. Having sponsors is great as it helps you plan the year ahead.
Do you think there is enough room for two darts organisations?
Yes there is as darts has to be accessible for all. The BDO do a great job at making this possible as well as having the advantage of terrestrial TV coverage, and the PDC have their own niche in the market.
Do you like playing exhibitions?
Yes I really enjoy them as I meet so many genuine fans. Every now and again I get beaten!!
You play with very light darts – Have you always played with 14 grams?
Yes for as long as I can remember. My throw is light and that’s what suits it.
You often hear top players use several different set-ups and different darts – are you one of those or do you think you’ve got the ideal set-up and stick to it?
The latest change I made was to my new Winmau darts and I’ve not changed my set up since and that was 3 years ago.
Do you still practice?
Yes I play darts nearly every day and work through several of my practice routines.
Do you prepare differently for a really important tournament like the World Championship?
Hopefully I’ve played enough competitive darts to be ready, as if you have to do loads of practice it can leave you mentally tired.
Can your darts game get any better?
Ha ha of course I can, as like most Pro’s we seldom hit the averages that we hit in practice on stage!
Are you still motivated to win Majors after winning your 2nd Lakeside title?
I’m hungrier for the 3rd Lakeside title than I was for my first.
Have you got hobbies and interests outside of darts?
Yes I love music – I’m a bit of a metal head!
Ted, you’ve been around for a long time – when did you start to play darts?
I started to play darts when I was 9 with a few mates, and we soon got involved with the local pub side and it went from there.
What was your first big success?
I’d won many open events, but my biggest first success was winning the Dutch Open in 1999.
That was a very special win for me.
Why do you think it’s so hard to win the Lakeside Title back-to-back?
The year after winning the Lakeside World Championship is such a busy one that in a strange way your darts practice can get pushed to the side a bit. You only need to lose a little focus and the other guys who are in form will take your place. The talent and standard of the players in the BDO is extremely high, as many players who would not be known on the High Street regularly throw 30 plus averages against you.
How did you get on with the guys on the PDC?
I’ve got great friends who play on the PDC circuit and so there is no split off the oche. The rivalry is healthy and adds some spice to games.
Do you like playing on stage?
I love it more than anything else, the buzz of a packed crowd and TV cameras is what we all strive for.
Does the crowd still affect you?
If fans are hell bent on showing no respect for players on their throw then it can affect me.
Everyone thinks I’m the “bad boy” but I’m far from it. Booing has become part of the drama, but when players are throwing they should respect that so we can put on the best possible show.
Can you earn a good living playing on the BDO?
You can earn a good living on the BDO but as events tend to be at the weekend you need to do something to keep you busy in the week. Having sponsors is great as it helps you plan the year ahead.
Do you think there is enough room for two darts organisations?
Yes there is as darts has to be accessible for all. The BDO do a great job at making this possible as well as having the advantage of terrestrial TV coverage, and the PDC have their own niche in the market.
Do you like playing exhibitions?
Yes I really enjoy them as I meet so many genuine fans. Every now and again I get beaten!!
You play with very light darts – Have you always played with 14 grams?
Yes for as long as I can remember. My throw is light and that’s what suits it.
You often hear top players use several different set-ups and different darts – are you one of those or do you think you’ve got the ideal set-up and stick to it?
The latest change I made was to my new Winmau darts and I’ve not changed my set up since and that was 3 years ago.
Do you still practice?
Yes I play darts nearly every day and work through several of my practice routines.
Do you prepare differently for a really important tournament like the World Championship?
Hopefully I’ve played enough competitive darts to be ready, as if you have to do loads of practice it can leave you mentally tired.
Can your darts game get any better?
Ha ha of course I can, as like most Pro’s we seldom hit the averages that we hit in practice on stage!
Are you still motivated to win Majors after winning your 2nd Lakeside title?
I’m hungrier for the 3rd Lakeside title than I was for my first.
Have you got hobbies and interests outside of darts?
Yes I love music – I’m a bit of a metal head!