Darts
2024 World Grand Prix Darts: Ryan Joyce Aims High but Fear of Flying Keeps Him Grounded
Ryan Joyce's fear of flying may impact his darts career despite strong performance at the 2024 World Grand Prix.
Newcastle's Ryan Joyce, known as "Relentless," may be currently dominating on the oche, but he's anything but when it comes to flying.
Overcoming Obstacles at the Oche
After knocking out world number five Nathan Aspinall in the second round of the 2024 World Grand Prix, Joyce opened up about his deep fear of flying.
Thriving in a Familiar Format
Despite this, Joyce is thriving in the tournament, crediting the "double in" format, common in the Northeast, for giving him an edge, even as he cracks the sport’s top 32 for the first time.
“I’m a really dangerous player, I know I can beat any of the top players. I can win this competition,” Joyce declared confidently post-match.
The Fear that Holds Him Back
However, Joyce is cautious about the doors that could open if he wins, admitting he's already pulled out of several European Tour events due to his fear of flying.
“Anybody that's watching or listening that doesn't like flying can understand.”
“Having to get two flights to get to a European tour most of the time living in Newcastle, it's difficult and sometimes just seems easier just not to go.”
“At the moment, the furthest I’ve had to travel is only the Czech Republic or Hungary. It’s only maybe two hours on a plane, so that’s not too bad.”
Image credit: PDC
No Plans for Help Yet
Despite this crippling fear, he hasn’t sought help yet, as it hasn't significantly hindered his career.
“You're talking about something that's completely new to me. I've never been in the position before. So just like anything in life, whatever comes at you, you deal with it on the day when it happens. I haven't actually planned anything or thought about it yet,” he told SportsBoom.com.
World Series Dreams in Jeopardy
If Joyce pulls off the unthinkable and wins the World Grand Prix this weekend, it will open countless doors for his career, doors that would inevitably mean more travel, given the global nature of darts.
Should a World Series event in the U.S. or Australia come his way, Joyce knows he'd have to confront his fear of flying head-on.
“If I ever did get to the point where I was picked for a World Series event, for example in America or Australia, it is something that I would have to consider.”
While Joyce’s fear might keep him grounded for now, his ambitions are soaring.
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