Steve Lennon out to show he belongs among darts elite
"The manager rang me, told me the news and I just couldn't believe it. It's nice to be picked for the Dublin one"
Wednesday 20 February 2019 13:33, UK
Steve Lennon is eager to capitalise on an opportunity of a lifetime on Thursday night when he makes his Premier League debut in Dublin.
The 25-year-old has been identified as one of the PDC's brightest prospects, and was selected as one of nine 'contenders' for the Premier League. While it was always one of his dreams to feature in the competition, Lennon was taken aback when his phone rang in the aftermath of the Gary Anderson injury announcement.
"I can't wait," he conceded. "I wasn't expecting to get the news, especially not this year anyway.
"I woke up that morning, I'd seen it all over social media that [Anderson] was after pulling out. I just presumed they would replace him with one more player rather than having the nine contenders. I didn't think that idea would ever come about. The manager rang me, told me the news and I just couldn't believe it. It's nice to be picked for the Dublin one.
"I never expected it to happen so suddenly."
"It just doesn’t feel real to me. It probably will on Thursday morning or Thursday evening."
The contender knows he can grow from the experience of playing at the biggest darts events. He said: "I know it's only one night, but to still be part of it the whole experience is fantastic.
"All I can do is gain experience. I've nothing to lose from going up there. I don't think any of the contenders are expected to win anyway, more to put on a show. To get the win would be a good bonus.
"It just doesn't feel real to me. It probably will on Thursday morning or Thursday evening.
"I was excited watching the Chris Dobey walk-on and the reception he was getting (in Newcastle). I was just thinking to myself, that will be me in two weeks' time."
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Lennon hails from County Carlow in Ireland, which boasts of a population of under 60,000. Nonetheless, it's an area punching far above its weight in sporting terms.
Sean O'Brien has been central to both Leinster and Ireland's rugby efforts in recent years, Padraig Amond spearheaded Newport County's giant-killing run in the FA Cup this season, scoring goals in the each of the five rounds including strikes against Leicester City, Middlesbrough and Manchester City, while the county's hurling and Gaelic football teams have enjoyed blistering starts to the year.
Lennon's call-up to the Premier League is the latest notable sporting success to be celebrated in the Leinster county, but it hasn't come about overnight. Winning a tour card in 2017, he has worked his way through the circuit. With his results becoming more and more consistent, he reached the last eight of the Players Championship Finals in November, before recording his first World Championship win at the Alexandra Palace over the festive period.
Leading Alan Norris 2-1 in the second round, the Irishman missed an out-shot of 86 for a 3-1 victory, and eventually lost after a sudden-death play-off leg. Hitting just 13/41 on doubles, it was a match Lennon left behind him, but he feels that he's continuing to move in the right direction.
"I think so," he said. I'm still thinking too much when I'm on stage. I'm still trying to block that when I'm playing. I focus too much on what's at stake. I need to switch my mind off like I do on the Pro Tours. Hopefully that will come in time anyway.
"I still don't think I've played my best yet on stage. I love playing on stage, but I just don't seem to play the same as I would on the floor tournament. I seem to put myself under too much pressure.
"You work so hard to get through the rankings to qualify for the majors. You start thinking too much about the rankings, what's at stake.
"Whereas this Thursday, to me it doesn't affect the rankings in any way. There's no pressure at all - try to enjoy the occasion and hopefully play my best darts.
"I'll have a clear mindset, try not to think of anything. See if that make a difference, hopefully it does."
With so much expectation stacked upon his opponent Peter Wright to pick up two points in Dublin and keep up the chase in the Premier League table, Lennon is looking to take in the occasion, and he has nothing to lose.
"I think when everyone sees the contenders, they don't want to lose," he explained. "The way they're looking at it is, the nine players replacing Gary Anderson are not as good as Gary Anderson. So to them, we'd be seen as an easier game than Gary Anderson. There's more pressure on them, because they're expected to beat everyone.
"I haven't really played that well against (Wright) so I'm hoping to change that this time. I like the way he throws, he's got the same rhythm as me.
"I'd say he'll be well up for it. I don't think he'll want to lose to a contender."
After all, Steve Lennon is out to prove people wrong.
"That's the fun of it," he smiled.
The Premier League heads to the 3Arena in Dublin on Thursday, February 21. You can also stay up to date with all the action by following us @SkySportsDarts and get all the latest news, previews and interviews www.skysports.com/darts
