Mike Flynn of Glens-harrold, Carrigkerry, described it as “a massive moment” in his career after Monday night’s shock victory over three-time World Darts Champion Michael van Gerwen at the Players Championship in Rosmalen, the Nether-lands.
The 32-year-old, who works in social care in his day job, was only added to the event’s entry list on Sunday morning after a number of withdrawals. He normally competes on the Challenge Tour, which is used as a reserve list for Players Championship events. His eleventh-hour call-up meant a three-hour dash by car from his home to Dublin Airport to catch a flight to the Netherlands, to ensure he reached the tournament in time.
“MVG wasn’t the name you want to see as your first opponent – you’d hope for an easier game,” Flynn told BBC Sport. “I knew my form was good coming into the tournament, but to beat a three-time world champion is a massive moment in my career.”
He added: “When you are playing someone like Van Gerwen you have to tune in from the get-go. It kind of opened my eyes to the professional circuit, the standard you have to be at from the off if you want to get a win.
“It will give me confidence moving forward, and shows me my game is there if I can continue it and take it back to the Challenge Tour.”
Flynn was subsequently beaten 6-4 by Poland’s Tytus Kanik, and the tournament was won by England’s Chris Dobey. Mike is also a noted hurler with St. Kieran’s, helping the club to the County Junior Championship in 2022.