Darts professional Callan Rydz delivered a stunning, emotionally charged performance at the PDC World Darts Championship on Tuesday, securing a dramatic second-round victory before breaking down in tears and revealing a profound personal struggle that has him contemplating his future in the sport.
A Victory Overshadowed by Personal Anguish
The world number 42, a two-time quarter-finalist at the tournament, edged out Northern Ireland's Daryl Gurney in a nail-biting 3-2 encounter that went all the way to a final-set decider. The match, played at London's iconic Alexandra Palace, was a showcase of resilience under pressure. However, the triumph was swiftly overshadowed by raw emotion in the aftermath.
Following a warm embrace with his opponent, Rydz became visibly overcome during his post-match interview with Sky Sports. He revealed that Gurney had been a rare source of support, aware of the difficult circumstances Rydz was facing away from the oche. "Daryl has been one of the only lads who knows what has been going on back home with my grandad," Rydz explained, struggling to compose himself. "He has been messaging me, asking if I'm okay. I am getting emotional thinking about it. I don't know what to say."
'I Wish I Was Home': The Driving Force Behind His Career
Later, speaking to reporters, the Englishman opened up further about the intense conflict between his professional duty and personal life. He confessed to finding it incredibly hard to focus on darts with his grandfather seriously unwell. "I wear my heart on my sleeve. I’m struggling," Rydz admitted. "It’s hard when you have stuff going on back home. I came here to try and forget about it but it’s hard. I play for my family."
He described the unique dichotomy of performing at the sport's biggest stage while his heart was elsewhere. "I’ve got a job to do and, thankfully, I got through. I have too much stuff going on back home. I hear the crowd sing my name and I smile. But I wish I was home," he stated poignantly.
The Inspiration and a Potential Farewell
Rydz, who has frequently cited his grandfather as a major inspiration for his career, delivered heartbreaking news about his family's preparations. "We are preparing for this to be the last Christmas," he revealed. His emotional connection to his family, who introduced him to darts, led him to make a startling admission about his future in the sport.
"Listen once he goes, I will probably consider packing in, probably. But I don’t know. I have a decision if I want to keep doing it," Rydz said. He reiterated that his entire career is dedicated to his loved ones: "My grandma, granddad, my mum, they got us into darts. Everything I do is for them."
Rydz's immediate plan is to return home after his dramatic win on Tuesday 23 December 2025 to be with his family. His campaign at Ally Pally is on pause for the Christmas break. He is now through to the third round for the third time in his career and will face either Josh Rock or Joe Comito when the tournament resumes.
