'I want to win because I'm skint' admits darts legend as he returns to TV event
Richie Burnett boldly claimed he was back on the oche trying to succeed "because I'm skint", as he stormed to the semi-finals of the Modus Super Series at the weekend. The darts legend, nicknamed the 'Prince of Wales', appeared on the World Seniors Darts tour this past weekend, impressing fans with his skills throughout the event.
Burnett last had some success in darts at the 2023 UK Open, defeating then-world number two Peter Wright on his way to the quarter-finals. However, the 58-year-old hasn't been seen often on the darts tours, apart from winning the PDC Challenge Tour in 2024.
This weekend, the ex-world champion took on the Super Series event, defeating Simon Whitlock and John Henderson on his way to the semi-final.
During his post-game interview, the veteran darts star confessed the true reason behind his return to the oche.
Burnett said: "Yeah, I mean look, it's hard. You're going to have good legs and bad legs, but I'm digging in there and I want to win because I'm skint, you know. I need to win."
This response elicited plenty of laughter from the crowd, as Burnett continued to downplay his performance on the way to the next round.
He added: "Like I say you know, years go past and you should get better as the tournament goes on but I'm not saying nothing. I'll leave it at that please, thank you."
Unfortunately, the Welsh darts legend was put out in the semi-final by Richie Howson, losing 6-4 as the Englishman advanced to the final to face eventual overall winner Ross Montgomery.
Burnett's appearance on the World Seniors Darts tour would have been a welcome addition for many fans who have followed him for most of his 27-year career.
In a successful darts journey spanning almost three decades, Burnett appeared across various tours, winning the World Masters and Dutch Open in 1994 while playing under the British Darts Organisation umbrella.
One year later, the Prince of Wales became the King as he won the World Championship, defeating Raymond van Barneveld 6-3 in the final.
In 1999, Burnett switched BDO for the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), and spent the rest of his career playing on this tour.
During this time, he won various tournaments – including the Challenge Tour and the Players Championship – and also competed in the World Darts Federation tour as well.
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