He slipped into madness a second time. This Sunday, December 15, the Frenchman Thibault Tricole played his second World Darts Championships, in the legendary Alexandra Palace in London, under the eyes of 3,000 wild spectators. An incredible experience that the Breton savored, despite the disappointment of his elimination in the second round. Falling on the modest Australian Joe Comito in the first round, the FC Lorient fan lost a few hours later against world No. 1 Luke Humphries.
“The result is not disappointing because I had little chance of beating Humphries, I fulfilled the minimum objective that I had set for myself by winning my first match, but the way is ultra-disappointing, regretted- it still three days later. I feel like I didn’t get into my competition, I had a big bout of stress even though at the start, I was quite relaxed. »
Present on the professional “PDC” circuit since the beginning of the year, for the first time in his career, Thibault Tricole thought he had reached a milestone, and hoped to have a firmer hand in these very important World Championships. “I put things into perspective a lot, I told myself that with the experience of last year and the pro circuit, I had the situation under control. But I had forgotten how crazy it was, assures the Frenchman. On a sporting level, the scenario repeats itself a bit, hence this frustration. »
“I see myself still playing easy for fifteen years in the pros”
The enthusiasm of the public at “Ally Pally”, in north London, undoubtedly did not help. Known to be hotter, and slightly less respectful than on the rest of the circuit, the spectators were excited from the first day of the competition, making less experienced players tremble. “They want a show, but it’s not easy to play darts on a small target and on such a big stage,” emphasizes the Breton. The best manage to manage it better, it’s almost their daily life. But for the majority, it’s complicated. »
The result is, however, logical. Facing the world No. 1, defending champion at the Worlds and winner of two other major tournaments this year, the World Matchplay and the Players Championship, Thibault Tricole was largely an outsider. He also admits, “Luke mastered his subject”. “Even if I had accelerated and played better, he would undoubtedly have followed and won,” he explains, aware of his place in the world hierarchy.
But it has continued to rise for several months. Finally holding his card for the main round, which he will keep for another year, the Frenchman will be around 75th in the world after these World Championships. “I have already grabbed 50 places this year, the objective is to finish 2025 in the top 64 to have an extra year,” warns Thibault Tricole. I also want to play more televised tournaments to get used to it and not go back to the amateur level. I see myself still playing easy for fifteen years in the pros, so I have to perpetuate my situation. »
