"People tend to overlook how skillful he is and how much bottle he has"
Monday 18 September 2017 18:40, UK
Rod Harrington says Mensur Suljovic "is the most improved player" on the PDC circuit after his sensational Champions League of Darts victory on Sunday.
The Austrian star claimed the first televised title of his career with a superb 11-9 success over Gary Anderson in Cardiff to claim the £100,000 title.
The world No 7 had won through to only his second TV final with a series of outstanding performances throughout the weekend, opening the tournament with a 10-3 group stage win over Anderson before seeing off Peter Wright and Dave Chisnall to book a spot in the semi-finals.
There, Suljovic took out a stunning 160 checkout to seal an 11-9 win over Raymond van Barneveld as he secured his place in the decider where he overcame 'The Flying Scotsman' Anderson for the second time.
I hope he takes up invites which he is sure to get, possibly for the Premier League
"He probably is the most improved player over the past two to three years on the big stage," darting legend Harrington told Sky Sports. "He came into the PDC system about three years ago and because his throw was so unorthodox and he was so slow at times, people used to think he was winning games because of those tactics, but it was just the way he played.
"They tend to overlook how skillful he is and how much bottle he has. He doesn't very often miss chances when given them, he's very good on his doubles and checkouts. He may not be one of the power scorers in the game but all you have to do is throw great legs at crucial times and you can win matches - that's exactly what he did all weekend.
"He was the only player in the tournament not to lose a game and that was the best thing that could have happened for the PDC and the game - Mensur winning. It sends out a message to everybody that if you play well the benefits are there.
"Mensur has proved that if you play well then you're going to get the benefits. He was being realistic when he said 'I have no chance of winning this tournament' during a TV interview, but it didn't affect his performance. He's being realistic, but when he gets up on the stage he believes he can win and he proved it at crucial times.
"I hope he takes up invites which he is sure to get, possibly for the Premier League. The PDC board have proved they're going to mix it up like they've done with the World Series and they're sure to do it with the Premier League next year. He will be a welcome addition along with the likes of Daryl Gurney and Gerwyn Price."
The final proved an equally close affair, before the Austrian emotionally closed out victory thanks to his favourite double 14 and Harrington added: "Mensur has come from soft tip a few years back and has obviously got comfortable with one double so he sticks with it when he can."
Rod Harrington was speaking to Sky Sports' Raz Mirza. The biggest names in darts will return to Dublin's Citywest Hotel from October 1-7 for the 2017 World Grand Prix and you will be able to watch all the action with us on Sky Sports
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