'The World Championships can change your life'

Bewdley darts player Luke Woodhouse may be preparing to play on the world stage next week, but that does not stop him walking up to the oche at his local pub.

Woodhouse, 36, is playing at the PDC World Darts Championship at London's Alexandra Palace on Monday.

But he can often still be found throwing for his old team at The Waggon and Horses.

"It's brilliant, I've played with the same sort of team, the same mates, for 18 years," he said.

With winnings over the past two years of just under £250,000, Woodhouse is 35th in the PDC world rankings.

He faces Lourence Ilagan of the Philippines in the first round of the World Championships on Monday.

If he progresses, he may meet stiffer competition in the shape of two other Lukes - defending champion Luke Humphries and 2024 runner-up Luke Littler, whose debut at the age of 16 took the darts world by storm.

Woodhouse, whose previous best showing at the World Championships came four years ago when he reached the last 32, said the competition was unique.

"Everyone knows that it's the biggest tournament of the year," he said. "It's the one that can change your life if you have a good run in it.

"I think being at Christmas as well... it's all sold out and it's just a really special tournament."

The Alexandra Palace may hold a special place in Woodhouse's heart, but then so does the pub where he honed his craft.

"I probably feel more pressure playing in a pub than I do on the stage at the World Championships, to be honest," he said.

"Everyone expects you to play well and sometimes it doesn't happen.

"For some reason having 10, 15 people watching you on one board is more nerve-wracking than having thousands behind you watching you."

The PDC World Championships begins on Sunday, with the final played on 3 January.

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