Darts has always been a sport of big personalities and bold declarations, and Paul Krohne is the latest player to throw down the gauntlet. Fresh off his victory at the Dutch Darts Open, Krohne has confidently declared his invincibility for the upcoming Lakeside Championship, echoing the bravado of players like Gerwyn Price. This bold statement, suggesting “who can beat me then?” in the absence of a key rival, has ignited debate: is Krohne truly the player to beat, or could such confidence lead to an unexpected challenge?
The Echo of Confidence: From Price to Krohne
The darts world recently witnessed a stunning upset when Wesley Plaisier defeated the formidable Gerwyn Price at the World Championship. Price, often seen as a pantomime villain in major tournaments, had made a striking declaration of invincibility prior to his match:
- “I am winning. Honestly, I’m not losing. Nobody’s beating me this year.”
This confident assertion followed his first-round win, a match many had anticipated would be a tough test for “The Iceman.”
Paul Krohne’s Lakeside Challenge
Now, Paul Krohne, following his impressive win at the Dutch Darts Open, has adopted a similar tone of self-assuredness. While perhaps slightly more understated than Price’s declaration, Krohne’s statement about the upcoming Lakeside Championship (the WDF World Championship) carries significant weight:
“Yeah, and I’m really looking forward to that [the Lakeside]. Let’s see. Jimmy’s not there — who can beat me then?”
The mention of “Jimmy” refers to Jimmy Hendriks, a prominent figure in the WDF circuit and a strong competitor. Krohne’s comment implies that without Hendriks, his path to victory is clear.
The Lakeside Landscape: A Field of Challengers
While winning a major tournament like the Dutch Darts Open certainly justifies a degree of confidence, the WDF World Championship at Lakeside is a highly competitive arena. The field typically includes:
- Rising Stars: Talented players on the cusp of the PDC main tour, eager to make their mark.
- Experienced Veterans: Former PDC tour card holders who, despite losing their cards, possess significant big-tournament experience and skill.
These players present a formidable challenge, and many will be looking to prove that Krohne’s self-proclaimed invincibility is premature.
Confidence vs. Arrogance: The Darts Show
It’s important to note that Krohne’s comment was likely made with a smile and a degree of playful banter, rather than outright arrogance. This kind of big talk has been a cherished part of darts’ entertainment value for decades, from legends like Eric Bristow to today’s stars. It adds drama and personality to the sport, and fans often love a confident player.
However, even well-intentioned confidence can sometimes backfire, providing extra motivation for opponents. The question remains: is Paul Krohne truly the best non-PDC tour card holder currently throwing? His recent form certainly suggests he’s a top contender, but the Lakeside stage has a way of testing even the most confident players.
Regardless, his confidence is well-earned, and it sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting WDF World Championship. Good luck to the lad – he’s certainly given everyone something to talk about!
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
