Thornton Confident Ahead of Q-School Battle
Robert Thornton has vowed there’s “life in the old dog yet” as he faces a huge battle to hold onto his PDC tour card.
The Ayrshire ace heartbreakingly lost 7-5 to Jamie Lewis in the last-gasp World Championship qualifier in Coventry on Monday.
Not only did it mean that The Thorn missed out on the Alexandra Palace for the second successive year but he also had no chance of saving his Tour Card.
Now he must enter the cut throat PDC Q School in late January to qualify to keep his card after a 12-year stint.
He said: “It was very frustrating, I had played really well in my opening two matches. I missed a couple of doubles against Jamie and that proved crucial.
“But overall I feel pretty good, I’m playing well. I proved that on Monday and I thought I was OK in the World Cup as well for Scotland.
“I’m not despondent. If I was playing badly I’d be more worried but if I play like I have been at Q School in January then I’ll keep my card. I’m confident of that.”
Thornton, 53, has had a dreadful run of luck including serious illness, family issues and poor form since a glorious run in the PDC including two major titles and four Players Championship wins.
There has been talk on social media by pundits that Thornton may have to retire if he lost tour card but he has dismissed any suggestion.
He added: “No chance of me retiring. There’s life in the old dog yet. I’ll only retire when I’m told to by the wife.
“After spending most of this year at home in lockdown, I’m pretty sure my wife will want me to keep playing to stay out of the house as much as possible!
“Seriously, I’ve got a lot more left in the tank. I’m still practising hard. We’ve converted the loft into a practice room so I spend a lot of time up there and it’s definitely working.
“The only consolation is that right now I’ll get to have Christmas with the grandkids. Then it will be solid practice ready for Q School.
“I know it’s pretty cut throat but they’ve not had a Scottish terrier in Q School yet. I reckon I will get through.”
By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia)