HENDO VOWS TO “KEEP FIGHTING”

JOHN HENDERSON admits he will “keep fighting” despite his Ally Pally and PDC tour card agony.

The Aberdeen star had to watch as Owen Bates survived half a dozen match darts against Mike Warburton to pip the Scot in the Challenge Tour standings.

But Hendo, 50, has vowed to fight on after losing FOUR STONE and almost reversing his diabetes thanks to salads.

He said: “I knew going into the last set of Challenge Tours that I was fifth in the Order of Merit. But it was in my own hands if I played steady.

“It’s frustrating especially as Mike Warburton missed six match darts against Owen Bates in the semi-final of the last round. If he had won that game I’d have my tour card back.

“To be honest I didn’t watch it, I had left the venue. I told myself ‘what will be, will be’.

“But I saw that Warby had lost 5-4. We’ve just got to dust it down and get my tour card back at Q-School in January. I will keep fighting.”

Hendo has changed his lifestyle completely since the pandemic and is delighted with his new found stamina.

He added: “I’m close to reversing my Diabetes. My blood sugars are at a good level now but for the next 12 months they want to keep me on the medication.

“I’ve just got to continue my exercise and diet. The weight is now coming off slower.

“I’ve had an injury to my foot prior to last weekend as well, just wear and tear on my right foot. That has affected my throwing so I had to pull out of the last ProTours to rest it.

“But in total I’ve lost four stone since the pandemic. I was so bored so I was walking my partner Veronica to the bus and back every day.

“I’m now eating a lot healthier, I just stick to salads and have cut out the greasy food.

“I have got a lot more stamina and more energy during the long days.

“The Challenge Tour is an endurance test. They start at 9.30am and there are two a day. If you reach the final of the second one, that’s at 8pm or 9pm. That’s 12 hours on the go. So it can be very tough.”

Henderson also admits he’s been pleasantly surprised by his busy schedule.

He continued: “When I lost my tour card I was worried about where I would be playing darts.

“But it’s actually been a hectic year. I’ve had Q-School, the Challenge Tour, Modus Series and World Seniors. Plus I am inundated with exhibitions.

“My game has been there and I’ve played quite well on the Challenge Tour. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it to be honest.

“Obviously it’s not where I want to be, I want to be back on the ProTour. But if I keep doing what I’m doing at Q-School, I won’t be far away. Hopefully 2024 will bring me a bit of luck.”