Darts star Callan Rydz issues public apology and calls himself a ‘fruitcake’ after breaking Luke Littler record
CALLAN RYDZ has declared he won’t change for anyone – after putting in the performance of his career.
The 26-year-old needed just 15 minutes to see off Croatian wildcard Romeo Grbavac at Alexandra Palace on Thursday.
Callan Rydz was in incredible form as he raced into the World Championship second round[/caption]
The 26-year-old shows his emotions on stage and offered an apology after his win[/caption]
Rydz averaged 107.06 in a scintillating performance, smashing a World Championship record previously held by Luke Littler.
The Riot is known for his exuberance on stage and has never shied away from showing emotion.
Both elation and frustration were in evidence during his whirlwind win over Grbavac, which booked him a second-round showdown with Martin Schindler.
Asked after the match if his emotion sometimes gets the better of him, Rydz replied: “Yeah, definitely, but that’s me as a person.
“I’m a fruitcake, I’ll happily admit it. I’m an absolute nutcase.
“But it’s like I’ve said to a few people – if I waited five seconds, nothing gets said, but it’s just my personality. I like to show emotion.”
The darts world rallied around Rydz earlier this season after he broke down onstage at the Hungarian Darts Trophy.
He described being on the Oche and losing as “a lonely f***ing place,” following a loss to Florian Hempel.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Rydz added on Thursday: “I think [losing] just drains the energy out of you.
“But when I get beat I think I can show a bit more respect to everyone.
“If I’ve disrespected anyone [this season] I’d like to apologise because I don’t think I’m a disrespectful person.”
Germany’s Schindler is next up for Rydz, with the match at Ally Pally scheduled for Sunday night.
I’m a fruitcake, I’ll happily admit it. I’m an absolute nutcase.
Callan Rydz
He added: “I know if my game turns up then I can beat anyone.
“I do that for another few games then I’m world champion. Happy days like. But then, I might retire as well!”
World Darts Championship – top stories
READ MORE on all the build-up to the Ally Pally extravaganza…
All the info:
- All the action as it happens in our LIVE BLOG
- Everything you need to know about the Ally Pally extravaganza
- How much prize money can be won?
- What is the format for the tournament?
- Are tickets still available and how much do they cost?
- When is Littler playing?
- Why isn’t Russ Bray refereeing?
- Who are the Sky Sports presenters and pundits?
News, features and interviews:
- Mardle to take step back after tragic death of wife Donna
- Luke Humphries’ stunning FOUR STONE weight loss
- Emma Paton reveals rise as Queen of Darts
- Darts WAGs – from former walk-on girl to childhood sweetheart
- The biggest scandals in darts – from cough-gate to sexting
- Littler loses record to breakthrough star
- Peter Wright ‘lost it’ in emotional moment with daughter
