Barry opens up on brutal Czech Open heat after stunning Cross

KEANE BARRY says the Czech Darts Open stage was the “hottest” he has ever played on.

The world No56 defeated Rob Cross 6-4 in Prague but revealed the sweltering conditions made life difficult throughout the bout.

Both players were below their fluent best and averaged under 90 in a scrappy contest.

But Barry, 24, held his nerve on the doubles, hitting six of his 15 attempts to book his place in the second round.

The Irishman was forced to take extra measures between visits as he battled to keep his hands sweat-free.

He said: “It’s all confidence really. I had a good week last week. I carried it forward into this week.

“It was tough playing up here. It is probably the hottest stage I have ever played on.

“It was tough with the heat. But I felt like I got into a nice rhythm and controlled it well.

“I am just happy to win and into the next round. I had to go and dry my hands after every throw.

“It was probably the same for Rob. It is tough, but it is one of them, you have to get through it.

“If you have to win a scrap at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. As long as you are into the next round, that is all I care about.”

Dynamite has had a steady season, reaching the semi-finals of Players Championship Seven and the last 16 of the UK Open.

Barry now faces Chris Dobey in the second round and will hope he is more used to the heat.

He added: “I don’t worry about what has happened in the past. All I can concentrate on is what is going to happen tomorrow.

“Put my best foot forward and feel good. I have acclimatised from tonight. I am looking forward to tomorrow.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning