WALKER AIMS FOR TOUR AT 64!

JIM WALKER is the driver of two World Championship semi-finalists and is now aiming to get a PDC Tour card at the age of 64!

The former fireman, nicknamed The Phoenix, has recently taken up a job as a chauffeur for oche stars Rob Cross, John O’ Shea, Scott Williams and Josh Rock.

But the Dalbeattie-born veteran could yet face his passengers as a rival after reaching the latter stages of Qualifying School in Milton Keynes. 

Cross and Williams both recently lost out to Luke Littler and Luke Humphries in the last four of the Worlds at the Ally Pally.

Walker has been a player since 1979 but was recruited by Scottish manager Rab Bain to look after his top players on the tour. 

He revealed: “I’m feeling fantastic. I don’t know how it’s happened because I’ve just started a new job with Rab.

“I’m a driver for Rob, John, Scott and young Josh. And all of a sudden I’ve popped up here and managed to get through the first stage.

“In fairness I’ve managed to get my tour card three times, so we’ll see.

“I wasn’t expecting this opportunity. It was Rab who said go along and give it a go and I’m here.”

The cut-throat Q-School sees only four daily winners gaining a ‘golden ticket’ tour card and then the next ten best performing players also get a lucrative card for the next two years. 

Walker laughed off any issues with rivalry if he should get his card, adding: “I would like to think I’d be beating them. But they are class. I’ll just do my bit, I’m here for myself. I’ll do everything I can.

“I’m one of these players that always thinks if I lose I go out, if I win I keep going. I’m an optimist. 

“I love it. Listen it’s the sport you love, if you are good enough you get paid to do something you love. The prizes for the top boys are unbelievable. 

“You cannot work 40 hours a week and earn what they can earn. Just amazing. 

“I just sat with three young lads and realised that I’m older than the three of them put together!

“Look at it, 128 players vying for a few spots, can’t beat it can you?”