'Last year I lost in the opening round on my debut' - Luke Woodhouse determined to make impact on World Matchplay return

Luke Woodhouse says taking the leap into full-time darts was a risk that has more than paid off — and now the Worcestershire thrower has his sights set firmly on making a mark at the World Matchplay.

The 35-year-old, known as Woody, spoke candidly during a recent Harrows Darts feature, where he answered some of the internet’s most-asked questions alongside fellow pros. Among the light-hearted moments, Woodhouse opened up about his rise through the ranks and his ambition to deliver on the sport’s biggest stages.

“I got my Tour Card in 2018,” he said. “I think I turned fully professional about six months later. The job I was doing at the time wouldn’t let me go part-time, so I had to take the plunge — and luckily, it’s worked out. I’m now in the top 32 in the world.”

The transition from working life to the PDC circuit hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but Woodhouse’s steady progression has seen him earn a reputation as one of the most reliable floor performers in the sport. Now, after years of hard graft, he’s in contention to return to the Winter Gardens in Blackpool — and is determined to make it count.

“The next major for me will probably be the World Matchplay. I’m currently in the qualification spots for it, so yeah — that’ll be the next televised event,” he explained. “It’s one of the biggest majors on the calendar and I really want to do well at the Winter Gardens. Last year I lost in the opening round on my debut — hopefully I can go a bit further this time.”