O’CONNOR CALLS FOR VENUE CHANGE AT WORLD CUP

WILLIAM O’CONNOR has called for a change of venue at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt.

Former UK Open semi-finalist O’Connor has raised concerns over the intense heat on stage — and suggested organisers need to act before it leads to someone fainting. 

Republic of Ireland entered the quarter-final for the first time since 2019 with a dominant 8-3 win over Switzerland after hitting 50 percent of their doubles in a clinical performance. 

But World No. 47 O’Connor admitted he struggled with the playing conditions at the Eissporthalle Arena. 

He said: “It’s so hot up on that stage. It is hard to play your best darts. 

“It’s really hard. It’s terrible — we have to change the venue. 

“Or maybe put the air conditioning on because someone will drop over on that stage. 

“I’m not exactly the biggest man in the world, but I can tell you it is hot upon that stage. 

“And it is not good. 

“The quicker you are off that stage, the better.” 

‘The Magpie’s’ teammate Keane Barry also felt the effects of the scorching heat at the oche and revealed he could barely grip his darts. 

He added: “The darts were slipping in my hand and it was just so sticky — but it is the same for everyone. 

“You can’t really be complaining about it. 

“It’s just one of the factors that you have to get around. 

“We will go up there tomorrow and try to do our best.” 

The sixth seeds will now face Northern Ireland in a cracking derby on Sunday afternoon as they continue their quest for a maiden World Cup crown.