I’m No35 in the world but I feel more pressure playing in my local pub than at World Darts Championship

DARTS ace Luke Woodhouse claims he’s dealt with greater pressure playing at his local pub than competing on the world stage.

Woodhouse, 36, is set to throw at the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on Monday in north London.

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Luke Woodhouse is set to throw at the PDC World Darts Championship[/caption]

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Woodhouse claims he’s dealt with greater pressure playing at his local pub[/caption]

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Woody will face Lourence Ilagan in the first round and could lock horns with either reigning world champion Luke Humphries or BBC Sports Personality of the Year nominee Luke Littler in the next round.

Woodhouse’s best showing at the world championships came four years ago when he reached the last 32 and found the experience to be unique.

However, the world’s No35 claims he often finds playing at his favourite pub The Waggon and Horses with his old team more daunting at times.

Woodhouse told the BBC: “It’s brilliant, I’ve played with the same sort of team, the same mates, for 18 years.

“Everyone knows that it’s the biggest tournament of the year.

“It’s the one that can change your life if you have a good run in it.

“I think being at Christmas as well… it’s all sold out and it’s just a really special tournament.

“I probably feel more pressure playing in a pub than I do on the stage at the World Championships, to be honest.

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“Everyone expects you to play well and sometimes it doesn’t happen.

“For some reason having 10, 15 people watching you on one board is more nerve-wracking than having thousands behind you watching you.”

The PDC World Darts Championships kicked off on Sunday night and will run until the final on January 3.

Humphries pipped Littler to last year’s world title with a stunning 7-4 win.