Darts: I needed motivation to get back on track, says Willie Borland
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Scots darts star Willie Borland on regaining his tour card
Scots darts player Willie Borland says he hopes to take inspiration from teenage star Luke Littler's run to the PDC World Championship final as he looks to get his career back on track.
"I think it is the benchmark for youth darts," he told BBC Scotland.
The 27-year-old Borland made history in 2021 when he recorded a televised nine-dart leg in his World Championship debut to defeat Bradley Brooks.
But last season he was left "gutted" after failing to secure a tour card.
Borland admits that playing on the amateur circuit was the wake-up call he needed to improve his game and get back into qualifying this year.
"After I came back from Q school and not getting it last year, I had maybe one or two months and just spent it catching up with my friends," he said.
"Then I realised I have got a talent here and I need to put the effort back in. I just started practising and playing every day again and it got me to the stage I am at just now.
"I did well on the tour when I was on it before, but my consistency levels weren't as good as the top pros, so I am just happy I have got a chance to rectify everything."
Like many in the sport - and those viewing at home - the East Calder player was impressed by 16-year-old Littler's run to the World Championship final last month and thinks the teenager's form can be an inspiration for his own performances.
"Every youth player that is playing just now has to look at Luke Littler and be like 'that is what I want to do', so it does give that hope," Borland added.
"I am looking to just try and hit the ground running as quickly as possible and we will take it from there."