by James Dodd
AFTER a successful 2020, which included becoming the first African player to win a PDC title, Devon Petersen is excited for what the next 12 months might have to offer.
Petersen, who is currently based in Bradford, won the German Darts Championship last September after beating Welshman Jonny Clayton 8-3.
The African Warrior insists this is only the beginning.
“It’s massive and also a step in the right direction. Not to play down the enormity of winning a PDC title because it’s so hard,” he said.
“Looking at what it means for South Africa and the continent as well. The footprint has been there but has never been rubber stamped as the PDC having an African champion. Now it is rubber stamped.
“For me ultimately, it’s a tick box. I’m definitely still on the journey and part of the journey is obviously winning those and getting to the majors and winning the majors now, which has always been my goal.
“I feel like I have taken that next step and now the goals are a bit bigger. It’s a lot more realistic in a sense.
“I think people previously believed all the positivity and confidence is great, but if you’re not showing it on the board people kind of have the opinion that it was all talk.
“I knew that I was putting the work in the practice. It was kind of coming to the form on the oche in a game situation. You can’t persist at practising this hard and not achieve anything.”
The man ranked 31st in the PDC Order of Merit also knows how success will further promote the sport back in his native South Africa.
“The plan has always been to be world champ and then work your way down from there to being a major winner to a multiple major winner,” said Petersen.
“For this season, my goals and targets are simplified to being in the top 16 is an absolute must. Lifting a major and just adding to the titles, which I think is not just for the glamour and the financial gain of winning titles, it’s more of the message and the effect it has on back home.
“The sentiment of the darts should be seen as a professional sport and kids should pursue it. We’re setting up African academy matches in South Africa, so that will boost that.
“As well, parents will believe that darts is not just a recreational sport but it’s actually a sport where you can take (it) up and become an affluent professional.”
Petersen had success in other Pro Tour events in 2020.
These included finishing runners up after an agonising 8-7 loss to Gerwyn Price in Players Championship 17, as well as four other semi-finals.
He believes he used the different circumstances to his advantage.
“It gave me an opportunity to knuckle down and focus a lot more with less distractions.
“Distractions like exhibitions. Those are great distractions because obviously it’s payed practices.
“But I think now there was more time for family and more time to focus on the board. It paid off.
“The last 12 months have probably been my best in my career to date. I think there’s a whole host of things, but one of them is definitely time on the board.”
Going into the future, Petersen wants to see darts in South Africa expand and players follow a similar path to him.
“Even though it’s at its infancy, we have over 5,000 players registered on the amateur side. From a professional side, I am the only one obviously.
“Coming over cost and just dedication and confidence in my ability. Not that they lack confidence, I think they lack the confidence in backing themselves to achieve on the Pro Tour.
“I think that the sport itself, there’s loads of young players coming through. There’s been loads of legend players in South Africa as well, just not obviously had the opportunities I had.
“From an exposure perspective, we know that the game is limited with exposure. South Africa is more of a cricket, rugby, and football country.
“All sports need that promotion, like Barry Hearn in the PDC. Barry Hearn took it to another level with promotion and using his boxing expertise out of promoting events and also contacts.
“I’m hoping in the next 5-10 years that I could be on that same push for South Africa and use me as a profile to get more exposure for South Africa.”
The 34-year-old will be in action next in late February, where he will compete in the first of three PDC Super Series.
You can also read the story of Devon’s childhood and the time before his most successful year by clicking below:
