Sedlacek makes Czech darts history with Players Championship 30 triumph

KAREL SEDLACEK revealed his wife told him “you can do it” before he finally claimed his first PDC title.

The Czech star became the first player from his country to win a PDC Pro Tour title after beating Scott Williams 8-7 in a dramatic Players Championship 30 final.

Sedlacek, 47, had waited more than ten years for the breakthrough and survived a huge late scare before finally getting over the line.

Williams won two of the final three legs and hit NINE maximums, while Sedlacek missed five match darts before eventually landing the winning double.

But Evil Charlie held his nerve to complete a historic victory and cap a run that also saw him defeat Damon Heta, Nathan Aspinall, Chris Dobey and Niels Zonneveld.

He said: “For me it’s a very special day. I have waited for this for more than ten years. Now it’s a reality.

“It’s crazy. It’s a dream. I said last Saturday when I lost against Gian van Veen [at the World Series Finals] you stay this way then we’ll see.

“My wife said to me you can do it. I have done it, that is perfect. I have played for more than thirty years and now I have done it.

“It’s the top of my career now.”

Sedlacek believes his success can give Czech darts a huge boost and inspire the next generation of players coming through.

He added: “I feel better and stronger. I know I can play darts but I need more matches. Darts is growing in Czech Republic.

“Day by day there is more players [coming through]. Now every player in Czech Republic can say Karel did it.

“We can do it too.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning