Darts Stalwart Hempel Reflects on Struggles Ahead of World Cup Debut
German darts stalwart Florian Hempel has reflected on his subpar performance in 2023, ahead of his World Championship debut. "The first six months were akin to a school report of five minus to six. I must delve deeper into the analysis," Hempel shared with German Press Agency. The 33-year-old Cologne native, who switched from handball goalkeeping, will be the first German representative at this year's World Cup, taking the stage at Alexandra Palace on Sunday evening (20:00/Sport1 and DAZN). Qualifying for the World Cup in a late surge, Hempel views the achievement as a "concession."
Hempel's opening opponent in London is young, up-and-coming Irishman, Dylan Slevin. "If you survey the 32 candidates, I could have faced someone less intimidating – reputation wise. Dylan Slevin is a budding star, he secured a direct berth for this year's Worlds. We're in the World Cup arena, and there are no easy draws," Hempel stated.
A win against Slevin could potentially result in a rematch against Belgium's Dimitri van den Bergh. Hempel had triumphantly vanquished him at the 2022 World Cup. "It's an engaging narrative for the media and fans, no doubt. I'm frequently asked about its prospect. You can't evade learning your second-round foe," explained Hempel. This year's World Championship isn't merely about glory; it holds significance for Hempel's tour card defense and his standing for various key tournaments in 2024.
Insights
Reflecting on his performance and upcoming challenges, Hempel acknowledges the turbulence of his darts journey, earning a "school report of five minus to six." His ranking, as the new season begins, is placed at 53 in the PDC World Rankings with 103 prize money units[1]. Despite the setbacks, Hempel, an enthusiastic representative for Germany, is eager to compete on the international stage. He aims to preserve his tour card stature for next year's PDC events while remaining at the vanguard of the darts world.
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As Hempel gears up for this year's World Darts Championship, the excitement in the air is palpable. With a myriad of players from diverse nations joining the fray, expectations are running high. From the enchanting prospect of contributing to team Germany to the potential of an exhilarating rematch, Hempel is determined to make every moment count. Regardless of the challenges, Hempel showcases his unwavering passion for the game and resilience in the face of adversity.
