Painter revitalised by Roy defeat

Darts ace Kevin Painter has Alex Roy to thank for helping him become a major force again on the PDC circuit.

‘The Artist’ is one of the most naturally gifted players around but has on occasions let his emotions get the better of him.

However, Painter’s disappointing first-round defeat to Watford thrower Roy at the World Matchplay in Blackpool proved to be a turning point.

The loss forced Painter to take a good look at himself and the Cambridgeshire thrower is now a much more assured player at the oche.

“I was devastated at the time, very low,” admitted Painter, a football-mad Ipswich Town fan. “I prepared badly and had a few problems away from the oche.

“I shouldn’t really have been shocked when I got knocked out, but it knocked me for six. It hurt me badly.

“If there had been a ranking event in the two weeks after Blackpool I wouldn’t have gone.

“But it was lucky for me that we had a seven-week break before the next event and I looked at myself during that time.

“I decided to get on with it and come back stronger – I want to thank Alex for that the next time I see him. I’ve come back very strong from that.”