WHITE RAISES CONCERN OVER RISING EURO TOUR COSTS

IAN WHITE believes the “stupid” cost of chasing ranking points in Europe is becoming detrimental to players. 

World No. 50 White reckons many pros are struggling to afford Euro trips if they don’t win their first-round match. 

Stoke-on-Trent thrower White had a good campaign this year as he reached the final of the Players Championship Nine in Leicester. 

The 54-year-old reckons he’s got a lot more wins in the locker even though it’s tough on the ProTour circuit. 

He said: “I’ve had a final this year on the ProTour, which has been a long time coming. I think the last one was the day before Covid. 

“A semi-final this year, and a couple of quarter-finals, so I’m doing okay. I’m enjoying myself.  

“I’m enjoying the darts now, rather than chasing everything around the world. The ProTours are great. 

“I just think times are different now, rather than chasing everything around Europe.” 

‘The Diamond’ has already qualified for the next two European Tour events but revealed the financial pressure is growing on players unless they go deep in the draw. 

He added: “I’ve just qualified for two Europeans, which are the next two.  

“I’ve just been looking at flights, and been looking at this, and it’s just stupid money. 

“You’re going out there, and if you don’t win, we’re stuck. Do you know what I mean? You don’t earn any money out of it. 

“The travelling is also very tiring, it really takes it out of you.  

“But it is what it is, and if you want to go and earn the money, you chase it.  

“If you don’t, just do it a bit at a time, and just make a living out of it.” 

White is aiming for a deep World Championship run this time around, after his campaign last year was cut short by eventual winner Luke Littler.

He admitted: “I am a dangerous player. I’ve been around a long time. 

“So I just go out now, go and play my darts. I think the other day was about 97, 98 averages all day. 93 was probably one of the worst, but it was good. 

“I’m just enjoying myself. I’ve no pressure on me anymore. 

“Let’s get to the World Championships. Let’s get to the Players’ Championships at the end of the year.  

“The Matchplay and Grand Prix is very hard to get to, because of the way they’ve structured it now. 

“But if you can get to the Worlds and the Players every year, you can earn a good living. 

“Ian White is not finished yet. There’s life in the old dog, trust me. He can still bite a few ankles! 

“I’m not ready for the Seniors, I’m happy in the PDC. I think more and more doors will open soon.”

Images by Taylor Lanning.