Searle considers sports psychologist after struggling with motivation

RYAN SEARLE is considering working with a sports psychologist after admitting he needs to improve the mental side of his game.

The world No13 battled past William O’Connor 2-1 in a dramatic World Grand Prix opener in Leicester.

Searle, 38, took the first set before O’Connor hit back with FIVE consecutive legs and looked on course to complete the comeback.

Heavy Metal recovered to book his place in the second round and set up a clash with Gian van Veen.

Searle believes his preparation has played a part in his inconsistent form.

He said: “We went to Portugal for a week and had a fantastic holiday.

“I took my darts but didn’t find a board over there, so that was seven days without throwing.

“I’m not a freak like Gary Anderson, who can go two weeks without touching a dart and still turn up and play some good stuff.

“It’s taken me a bit of time to get back into it and get the feel back.

“This is the time of year when you need to be at your sharpest. You can’t afford any lapse in your practice or concentration.

“This is where you can make gains and big strides in the rankings.”

Searle has won Players Championship Seven but has failed to reach a quarter-final on the big stage since the Worlds.

He added: “It’s generally just been the normal, average year for me: pick up one title, make a few finals.

“I’m not making the strides I really want to make.

“Fair play to someone like Wessel, who’s won eight titles this year. I don’t know how someone does that.

“I win one and I’m happy with that.

“It’s tough, and it’s something mentally I need to work on because I know I’ve got a lot more that I can give this game than I’ve shown so far.

“I believe that, on my day, I can beat anyone in the world. It doesn’t matter who it is.”

The Devon thrower admits he can lose motivation as he progresses through a competition and knows he needs to work on it.

He continued: “I don’t know whether I need to speak to a sports psychologist or something like that.

“Anyone out there who thinks they can level me up a bit, because I know, on my day, I’ve got the game to beat anyone.

"I think part of the problem is that I’m happy to win a game and get halfway into a tournament, then don’t really have the drive to push forward and get further.

“Other than at the Worlds, where I’m pretty focused.

“To be fair, secretly I’ve spoken to one person. I won’t say who it is.

“He’s offered to give me a bit of advice and help me out in certain situations. We’ll go for a coffee one day and have a little chat.”