Interview Paul Nicholson

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Darts1 interview
with Paul Nicholson

Do you feel great respect playing big names or don't you care at all who your opponent is and big names more motivate you?

Everybody is the same as far as I'm concerned. If I'm playing Jack from the pub or Phil Taylor I treat them the same. Some players demand a lot of respect, but I would say you give them that respect before and after a game, not during it.

What is you original profession? And how did you manage this spring to stay for a long time in the UK? Did you take the time off? Have you got a sponsor?

I am qualified as an investment adviser for the Victorian Government in Australia, and they kindly gave me 14 months off to play the Grand Slam and then the Pro Tour in 2009. When I was at the World Championship I was approached by Modus Management, who saw my talent, and I've been lucky enough to work with them since that day. If it wasn't for Modus, I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing now, so I owe them a debt of gratitude. I've also got to thank Unicorn and A180 Darts, who were sponsors in the early days.

You are at the moment Number 40 of the World ranking - how do you assess your chances to get into the top 32? What are your goals for the future?

I'd like to get into the top 32 by the end of the year, but the way I look at it is to take every game as it comes and progress as quickly as I can. Getting into the top 32 is my next goal.

And where will you live?

I'll live in Newcastle for the next six months but beyond that is uncertain, based on what will be best for my career and playing on the Pro Tour.

What would you say is your strength and what your weakness?

My strengths would be my preparation routine, will to win and aggressiveness, and the fact that I'm not scared of anybody. The only weakness I really have is a lack of experience, which is what I'm going to change over the next few years.