Borland not going Ga Ga over Van Gerwen win

By Phil Lanning

EXCLUSIVE

WILLIAM Borland claimed the biggest win of his career against Michael van Gerwen – but he’s not going Ga Ga over it.

The potential-packed West Lothian kid dumped the Dutchman 6-2 in the Players Championship in Germany earlier this week.

It was another big win for ‘Big Willie’ but now he is targeting the World Championship and a vital change of walk-on tune.

Borland, 24, revealed: “I think getting a result against Michael is the biggest win of my career, you still class him as the top player in the world. On order of merit Gerwyn Price is the World No.1, but Michael is the man to beat.

“It went really well in Germany but on the last day I played Madars Razma and missed a few doubles. 

“I got a few good scalps obviously beating Michael (Van Gerwen) and Simon (Whitlock). But the big thing was my consistency was very good and that wasn’t there when we returned after the pandemic.

“I would have a good day and then a bad day. But my bad days in Germany were like an 89 average and that was because of missing doubles. But I’m getting better so I know my practice is helping my game.

“I’ve always had the belief. I had a couple of decent wins in the last series including beating Dave Chisnall. 

“Now the World Championship is definitely high up on my list of targets. I was gutted to miss out last year by just £250. 

“But I’ve still not sorted a walk-on song if I make it. It is currently Radio Ga Ga by Queen but that’s not happening anymore. If I qualify for the World Championship, we’ll need to make a decision.

“I quite like Oasis stuff but nearer the time we’ll have that conversation. But it won’t be Radio Ga Ga!”

Kind-hearted Borland also revealed that his crucial practice routine is scheduled around looking after his gran in East Calder.

He added: “At the moment I’m looking after my gran because she struggles to walk a bit. So I help out around the house and do her shopping. I then put a lot of hours in on the practice board. 

“I think the Players Championship blocks are good. I prefer them but would like them to be closer together rather than a break of four or five weeks. But obviously things will be changing hopefully as we come out of the pandemic.

“I’ve got a big year coming up needing to get into the top 64 to keep my tour card. A lot of practice is going in now before June.”

It’s been a good year so far for the Scots with Borland backing up great showings from Alan Soutar and Robert Thornton. 

He admits that John Henderson is his biggest mentor, adding:  “It was great to see Robert come out to Germany and do so well, so soon after losing his tour card. Alan Soutar has got off to an incredible start, he’s been pounding everyone playing so well.

“Big John Henderson is a massive help to me. If I get stressed out he’s on the ‘phone to see what he can do, especially if my manager Matt Ward isn’t available if we are abroad.”

Images by Taylor Lanning