Limerick man Willie O'Connor is through to the third round of the World Darts Championship after victory over Glen Durrant on Wednesday afternoon. Though he won 3-0, O'Connor was "deflated" by the match.
Due to some abysmal form this year, Durrant - the former BDO world champion, 2020 Premier League winner, and number 24 seed for this World Championship - went into the game as the underdog.
"I don't know what to say," O'Connor told Sky Sports.
"I'm happy to win the game but Glen wasn't at his best. What can you take from it really? I don't know."
The 35-year-old started emphatically, winning the first leg with the highest possible checkout, 170.
🙌 Moment of magic from Willie O'Connor.
🎣 A 170 CHECKOUT against Glen Durrant.pic.twitter.com/IGuGKRR9Wa
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) December 22, 2021
"In my head, I was playing the best version of Glen," said O'Connor.
"When I took out the 170, I said to myself, 'You've broke him now. Hold your throw and try to win the set'. I realised, Glen, he didn't show up. I found it deflating, that's one way of looking at it."
O'Connor ended his post-match interview with some words of encouragement, straight down the camera, for the 51-year-old Durrant.
"I just want to say happy Christmas to Glen," he said.
"He's not at his best, but I'm sure he'll come back - he's a champion. He will come back. From all in Ireland, genuinely."
O'Connor, ranked 42 in the world, will face number nine seed Michael Smith in the third round.
"I'll practise away as normal," he said,
"I won't overdo it. I'll do what I've been doing all along. Look, I have no choice to play better in the next game - it's either that or I'm going home. I'm very happy to be here after Christmas. It's not my first time winning a second game, but it's definitely my first time here after Christmas.
"I definitely want to put on a better performance the next time."
Willie O'Connor interview after beating Glen Durrant in World Darts Championship
𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐎'𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐫 👏👏
William O'Connor has words of encouragement for his opponent Glen Durrant, as he looks ahead to a clash with Michael Smith 💥
📺 Sky Sports Darts & Main Event
#️⃣ #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/e1yXFxOmcs— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 22, 2021
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