William O’Connor has blasted the latest European Tour changes (Image: Getty / Darts Now)
darts ace William O’Connor has claimed it’s “almost impossible” to make a living from the sport.
O’Connor joined the likes of , and world No.1 in Milton Keynes for the World Masters this weekend.
The Magpie stunned former world champion Rob Cross in his opening round match, setting up a second-round clash against Danny Noppert in the process.
It wasn’t to be for the Irishman, who crashed out of the competition by virtue of a 4-0 defeat in sets, with O’Connor taking home £10,000 for his exploits at the Marshall Arena.
It’s a welcome boost for the world No.54, who recently admitted living comfortably from earnings at the oche isn’t something most players can do.
Speaking to Irish outlet Off the Ball, O’Connor said: “If I go over to a tournament this week and it costs me whatever to go and if I don’t win any games, I’m down money.
“I’ve got bills to pay at home, so has everybody. But it’s very, very hard and it’s almost impossible to live off darts, unless you’re really good at it.
“There are very few people making a living off darts. We’re trying our best to make a few quid off it, which is why it’s so hard to be so dedicated and make it to that next level.”
William O’Connor was knocked out of the World Masters in the second round (Image: Getty)
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O’Connor’s frustrations have been worsened by a new change to the way qualification for the European Tour is achieved, as confirmed last year by the PDC.
The top 16 players in the world are automatically guaranteed a place in the second round, whereas the top 16 on the Pro Tour Order of Merit – a separate ranking system – will only be seeded for the first round instead.
In theory, it protects the biggest names and gives them an increased chance to go deep into the events.
On the changes, O’Connor said: “We are goosed. The European Tours are such a huge part of the Pro Tour… we haven’t a chance. How do you break into the top 32.
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“Whatever opportunity you have, they [the PDC] pull it up from underneath you. It makes it so difficult and even if you qualify for one or two it’s going to be huge.
“You can’t catch the big boys, they are where they are and they’re going to stay there.”
The action from the World Masters continues throughout the weekend, with the final scheduled for Sunday evening.