Durrant admits he is “battling demons”

By Phil Lanning

GLEN DURRANT revealed he was “battling demons” after pulling out of the ProTour because of a confidence crisis.

The three-times World Champion has endured a shocking 2021 after being relegated from the Premier League as defending champ without a point.

Now Durrant, 50, is taking a few days off after a disappointing week at the PDC Super Series Players Championship in Milton Keynes.

He said: “With regret I’ve pulled out of the Pro Tour. I’m battling my own confidence demons right now and after 30 years in housing I’ve never shirked a challenge, but I’m throwing in a sickie. I’ve apologised to PDC and sponsors but I’m thinking of me right now.”

Durrant hasn’t been the same player since winning the Premier League on his debut last autumn with a final victory over Nathan Aspinall.

The Middlesbrough star went down with Covid-19 soon after that glory and has failed to deliver any sort of form since.

He has strenuously denied that it’s any long-term effects from the virus and has since sought advice from former player Wayne Mardle.

He added: “The Premier League went from the ecstasy of winning it to an absolute nightmare of an experience.

“I have been working on the mentality side of things; my manager very kindly set up for me to chat with someone over a 12-week period. I’m a massive fan of the coaching of Wayne Mardle and he’s sent a few suggestions as well. There’s so many people want to help you get you through this and think it’s a quick fix.

“It’s a technical issue which I’m working on. There’s no quick fix, but I know what the problem is and that then leads to the anxiety and tension in my throw.”

Images by Taylor Lanning.