Glen Durrant makes world championship return - 24 hours after quitting pro darts

October 05, 2024

Less than a day after announcing his retirement, Glen Durrant has confirmed his return to the circuit and is looking forward to "new challenges" in 2023.

'Duzza' has endured some difficult struggles for form in recent years and said he would step away from the sport after losing his PDC Tour card. The 52-year-old made a successful transition to darts' main stage after winning three straight BDO World Championships, clinching the Premier League title in 2020.

A difficult couple of years culminated in a 6-2 defeat to Jamie Clarke in the PDC World Championship qualifiers on Monday. Durrant suffered a 3-0 whitewash against William O'Connor in the second round of this year's World Championship, but his downward slope continued as he failed to book his place in the 2023 contest.

“Well that’s it, I’m no longer a professional dart player," he said after losing to Clarke, thanking the PDC for "a brilliant four years" competing among their ranks. "I want no sympathy in these replies because I have new challenges ahead and there is one chapter left yet.”

But the Middlesbrough native already has new objectives ahead after confirming he's accepted a spot in the 2023 World Seniors Darts Championship. Durrant announced earlier this year that he had opened his own coaching school, but his career of competition isn't yet over.

"You didn’t think I’d go without a fight did you," tweeted the former BDO star on Tuesday. "New challenges and enjoying the game again and if I learn to win again. . .who knows."

Do you think Glen Durrant can win a major title in 2023? Let us know in the comments section.

While recent performances among the elite may have exposed the fact Durrant is no longer able to compete with the best, his contributions to darts are far from complete. The veteran won't be present at Q-School in January, though he hasn't given up on a run at regaining his PDC Tour status.

"I’ve not retired, just no longer a pro player," he clarified on Monday evening. "2023 is a year of new adventures and finding that winning feeling again. Watch me smash Q-School 2024. You’ve been warned!"

Durrant has grown his media presence in recent months and was part of the coverage for the MODUS Super Series earlier this year. The 2023 World Seniors Darts Championship will take place at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet, Essex, between February 9 and February 12.

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