Dean Reynolds is determined to fulfil his potential and win one of the major titles on the BDO circuit sooner rather than later.
The 23-year-old Welshman made his World Championship debut at the start of this year and has continued to rise up the BDO rankings, while also claiming great success on the PDC Development Tour at the same time.
Reynolds won his first title on the BDO circuit last summer with victory in the French Open, and ahead of playing in his home tournament, the Welsh Open, this Sunday is hopeful of more success before the year is out.
“I don’t really look too far ahead I’m just taking it step by step,” he said. “I’d like to have a good run in a BDO major, to win one would be ideal with the World Trophy coming up soon, or even the World Masters or the worlds.
“I think I’m developing quite nicely. I’m competitive in all the tournaments on the floor and a lot of people know I can do it.
“They’re all behind me and I want to be a major winner in the BDO. I don’t want to be someone who never did anything.”
Reynolds played both football and rugby in his teens but it was his introduction to darts at a young age which prompted the decision to try and progress with the sport even further.
“My mum and dad owned a pub so I was always around a dartboard having a throw,” he said. “I went to a tournament in Cardiff, picked up a bit of money and thought ‘this is quite fun.’
“I remember watching Mark Webster winning the World Championship in my mum and dad’s pub. Watching him do that will always be the highlight of watching darts for me. It was an inspiration and made me want to do that one day as well.”
Reynolds also classes another former Welsh world champion Richie Burnett as one of his idols growing up. The Prince of Wales is set to return to competitive action this weekend at Prestatyn after serving an 18-month ban.
“My first Super League game I played Richie Burnett and I beat him,” he recalls. “I always looked up to him and it’s nice to hear he’s coming back.
“He’s a Welsh legend in darts and a true inspiration for Welsh darts, even though what’s gone on behind the scenes before I’m sure everyone will say how good it is to see him back.
“I think if he’s willing to put the time in he’ll get back up there no problem at all.”
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