Chloe O'Brien: The Perthshire darts star aiming to create more special memories in 2023

dailyrecord.co.uk:

She qualified and faced off against Lisa Ashton in the Women’s World Matchplay last year.Now Perthshire darts ace Chloe O’Brien is aiming to create more special memories throughout 2023.O’Brien (19), who grew up in Rattray and stays in Guildtown, has a strong determination to continue her development in the sport and test herself against the best on a regular basis.Reflecting back on that summer experience against Ashton at Winter Gardens in Blackpool, the former Blairgowrie High pupil told the PA with a smile: “Lisa is the kindest person you will ever meet – but brutal on the board!“She played her best against me but was very caring after the match.

She said it was my first time on the big stage and that it was a good starting point for me.“Playing in the World Women’s Matchplay gave my profile and confidence a boost.

Nobody expected me to get into it but I fought for it. I shocked myself more than anyone else, to be honest.“Playing on the big stage definitely comes with its challenges.

I like people cheering and thought I would hear that.“But my ears totally shut off. I can’t remember hearing much from the walk-on song until game, shot and the match.“I think I was so concentrated trying to get a leg, a double or a treble that I shut off all other senses.”O’Brien, who is signed up with Mission Darts, had qualified for the Matchplay after a number of strong performances in the PDC Women’s Series.“I’m doing the Women’s Series again and that is my main priority,” she said. “That begins at the end of this month.“I have been on the circuit for about two years now.