KENNY INSISTS HE IS NO MUG AS HE STEPS INTO WALES WORLD CUP CALL-UP
08/06/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
NICK KENNY insists he is “no mug” as he prepares to step into a huge Wales call-up at the World Cup.
The world No61 has been drafted into the Welsh setup after Gerwyn Price pulled out to take time away from the hectic darts calendar.
Former world champ rice was due to partner Jonny Clayton, with the pair enjoying huge success together winning in 2020 and 2023 while also reaching three further finals.
Kenny is relishing the pressure and is determined to make the most of what could be a rare opportunity.
He told talkSPORT: “I thrive off it. I did really well in the Wales shirt in the WDF side of it. This is my first opportunity and it might be my only opportunity.
“There is a little bit, but I don’t really feel it right now. When I get there it might be completely different.
“I’ve got a good partner who is really experienced. The big thing is there is no Gezzy.
“So, I am not as good as Gezzy, but I am no mug really. I can play the game, but the Wales fanbase is a bit gutted that their best player is not going, which is understandable.
“The next one in line goes in is me and thankfully it is me this time round. Hopefully I thrive on it.
“The last time I played in a Welsh shirt in a pairs competition I beat a young boy called Luke Littler.
“People wouldn’t know that, and that was only in 2022.”
Kenny believes he can win the major tournament on debut alongside Clayton and help Wales topple favourites England.
He added: “If we were going to win it, you would think we are coming across England.
“But last year when Germany came out of their group and they drew England, they were going home because it just didn’t happen for them.
“I think they are gunning for it this year. So is everyone else, and I think the top four teams are absolutely brilliant.
“Everyone there is trying to do a job and get as far as they can. That is what me and Jonny want to do.
“We want to get there all the way. We don’t want to just get through the group and see how it goes.”
Wales are in action on Thursday evening in Frankfurt, where they face Lithuania, with Thailand also in their group.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
