Lauby at the US Darts Masters: Indiana Dan Cracks His Whip In The Garden

Back on home soil, top-ranked American arrow-smith Danny Lauby is gearing up for another shot at the US Darts Masters.

The Indiana-born left-hander is preparing for his fourth bite of this cherry – three of those bites having been in the Big Apple itself. Unfortunately, he's yet to taste victory on this World Series stage, with the likes of James Wade, Jonny Clayton, and Michael van Gerwen all being the reasons.

Still, Lauby’s spirits are high as he once again earns the honour of representing the United States on darts’ grandest North American stage – Madison Square Garden. Speaking to Online Darts’ Phill Barrs, he shared his excitement:

"Yes man. I’m ecstatic and over the moon to be selected – and it’s always good to be home. Just being here feels like a breath of fresh air… and it’s extremely hot – despite the fact we invented aircon."

Not sure aircon is that effective outdoors, Danny. Now based primarily in England, the 32-year-old reflected on the highs and lows of life on the PDC Pro Tour and his battle for consistency:

"The last eighteen months have been tough. There have been good moments, but I know what I’m capable of, and I’ve let myself down. Whether it’s part of a learning curve or not – it’s all peaks and valleys. But it’s not over, and I’m not done. I’ll keep going – I’m not short on confidence."

Lauby is, of course, referring to the dreaded drop zone that haunts those at the lower rungs of the PDC Order of Merit. But he’s determined to keep his Tour Card alive:

"Yes, I still believe 100%. I’d have quit playing darts if I didn’t think I could still do it. The sport can beat you down – it’s a resilient game. But I’m still gonna keep going through that door, by hook or by crook. But if I lose my status, I’ll just go to Q-School and try to get it back. I’ve failed several times trying to get to the PDC – I didn’t just walk in and take it."

Pity – that might be the only way some of us could ever land a Tour Card. Applauding a flourishing North American scene under the CDC’s guidance, Lauby also discussed a difficult recent World Cup campaign– made harder by watching teammate Jules van Dongen struggle with dartitis:

"I think the darts scene is the best it’s ever been. The CDC started it all – neither myself nor my father would be here without them. It’s finally starting to feel like something people really want to watch. You can feel the good vibes in North American darts right now.

"The World Cup? Yeah, it was tough watching Jules. I love the guy – he’s a close friend – and I’ve been through similar things, so I totally understand. It was hard to see because you don’t want to watch someone struggle – especially a mate. But what happened, happened – and it took some balls for him to get up there and try to make it happen."

Watch Danny Lauby Interview Here!

Indeed it did. Now, with the countdown to the US Masters in full swing, Lauby is set to return to MSG – this time hoping to get past last year’s winner, Rob Cross. So, Danny, ready for action?

"I’d like to say it’s just another day at the office, but really, it’s a privilege. That said, it’s still work – and I’m here to get the business done."

America hopes while this particular American dreams. After all, it is the land of opportunity – and for a US darts player performing in his own back yard, they don’t come much bigger than chucking in the Garden.

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