Dave Parletti has described his impending England debut this weekend as a ‘massive honour.’
The recent Top of Waregem finalist, along with Hampshire’s Gemma Hayter, are set to represent their country for the first time when the 37th annual British International Championships gets underway this evening.
The duo come into an England side which has dominated the competition in recent years, with the Men’s and Ladies’ teams having both won the last six stagings of the tournament.
“It’s a massive honour to put the shirt on,” Parletti said. “It’s a dream of anyone in any sport to play for your country.
“All the greats have played for England. Phil Taylor, Bob Anderson, Keith Deller, Bobby George. These are all legends, and as a darts fan myself who grew up watching it to say I’m on that list with these players is another sign I’m going in the right direction.
“I just want to make my kids proud. They can say ‘my dad played for England’ and it’s the little things like that which mean the world to me.”
Parletti won all six of his games for Surrey to impress the England selectors, and despite losing on his last two county appearances to relinquish his unbeaten record, the Londoner heads to Scotland hoping for a change in fortunes.
“The last two months I’ve been unlucky really,” he said. “I lost 4-3 with a 32 average last month against Nick Kenny.
“As long as I’ve practised enough before and prepared well then the other person will have to play well to beat me.
“I’m playing really consistent at the moment, so as long as I do my bit and turn up, hopefully the other results will go our way and the other players play well, and we’ll come away with the trophy.”
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