NOPPERT REVEALS ADHD STRUGGLE AFTER CROWD ISSUE

DANNY NOPPERT admits an incident during his win over Daryl Gurney triggered concentration issues linked to his ADHD.

World No.9 Noppert overcame ‘Superchin’ 3-1 with a 99.60 average to enter round two of the Winmau World Masters.

But during the bout Gurney twice spoke with referee Kirk Bevins about the loud crowd behind his opponent, briefly disrupting the match.

Noppert revealed the situation affected him on stage, bringing back long-standing focus issues he has dealt with since childhood.

He said: “I don’t remember which set it was, but he had a few problems with the crowd behind me. 

“They were a little noisy, but they were cheering for me. I had a few problems in the match, but I’m happy I got over the line.

“Daryl came to Kirk [Bevins] twice and said something. It was the crowd — it’s not my fault. 

“When I was younger, I had problems with concentration, listening to the teacher. 

“So when this happened, I had the same problem. That’s why I asked after six darts what had happened. 

“I wanted to know because it doesn’t feel good for me. 

“It affected me in this game as well. That’s why I wanted to know quickly what had happened.

“It was the crowd, not me.” 

Former UK Open champ Noppert was then asked whether his ADHD impacts him on stage. 

He added: “Sometimes it does, but it doesn’t impact me a lot. I’ve lived with it my whole life and I am a good darts player. 

“Sometimes, like what happened with Gurney and the crowd, it can affect me. 

“But to be honest, I was good today on the finishing. I can play better and I need to. 

“If I play better, I can hopefully make big steps this year.” 

Noppert returns to action on Saturday afternoon and will face either Stephen Bunting or Jeffrey De Graaf for a spot in the quarter-final at Milton Keynes.

Image by Taylor Lanning.