Fresh view on life relaxes dart champ Warriner

Newly-crowned World Grand Prix champion Alan Warriner is more relaxed at the oche since a recent family bereavement.

Alan’s father, Arnold Warriner, passed away last month and the ‘Ice Man’ has taken stock and reassessed what is important in his life.

The Lancastrian certainly looked untroubled on his march to the title, and he said: ‘‘I have been very relaxed all week and it played a big part in my success. I have kept a low profile, done my usual routine and it has paid off.

‘‘I have been at tournaments and been relaxed but not all the way through. I have been relaxed at certain stages and nervous other times but I have not felt nervous all week.

‘‘I have had a lot of problems in my life recently and they take priority over everything else. I came into this tournament with an attitude that it didn’t matter.

‘‘I don’t know if that was the reason why I won but that’s how I feel at the moment life is more important than a game of darts.’’

Warriner fell to his knees after a brilliant 157 check-out clinched an 8-2 win over Dutchman Roland Scholten in Dublin.

And the man who had failed in four previous final appearances, believes he can win many more tournaments.

He added: ‘‘I feel great. I’m the man to beat at the moment and I can go on to win many more.

‘‘I fancy my chances in any event. I know I’ve got the ability - everybody else knows I’ve got the ability. I’ve been in the top eight 15 years so the consistency is always there.

‘‘That’s it now, I’ve got over the hurdle and hopefully I can go on from here.’’