PLAISIER BLASTS ONLINE TROLLS AFTER PRICE SHOCK

WESLEY PLAISIER is refusing to let vile online trolls derail his breakthrough World Championship run.

World No.92 Plaisier has been targeted with cruel comments about his appearance on social media following his stunning 3–0 upset win over Gerwyn Price at Ally Pally.

The Dutchman has booked a showdown with Krzysztof Ratajski on Saturday afternoon, with a place in the last 16 of a major on the line for the first time in his career.

Despite the abuse, Plaisier says his full focus remains on his darts as he looks to build on his momentum in the latter stages of the tournament.

He told Sportnieuws.nl: “Haters make you stronger. I try to shut it out.

“I don’t respond anyway. I read it very occasionally, but I don’t care at all.

“I see it as people who are jealous. Most of them are probably at home on benefits.”

But it was not all negativity, as Plaisier revealed he received a congratulatory Instagram message from PSV midfielder Joey Veerman following his shock victory over Price.

He added: “My phone literally exploded after the match. I had never experienced anything like it.

“I even got a message from Joey Veerman.

“We don’t really speak, but he congratulated me via Instagram. Really nice that he sent a message.”

The gesture was unexpected given Plaisier is a Feyenoord supporter, but he was quick to rise above football rivalries.

He continued: “Of course I’ve been disappointed when he scored against Feyenoord.

“But away from sport we’re all professional toward each other.”

Plaisier is keeping his feet on the ground ahead of his post-Christmas clash against ‘The Polish Eagle’.

He said: “I think it will be 50/50. People say: You beat Price, then he’s a pushover. But that’s not how I see it, I just have to be sharp against him again.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.