The national darts team, making an entry to the WDF World Cup after an absence of 14 years, must get used to the conditions in the host city of Seoul to have a good run in the tournament, says the team's top official.
The national players comprising Nasir Jantan, Tenooth Sivalingam, Anbaarajan Retinasamy, and Timothy Ryan Theseira are determined to have a good run to ensure a good ranking in the tournament and also earn another ticket for the tournament in the coming years.
"We are moving to Seoul on Sept 20, two days before the tournament, and the players must get used to the conditions and make good use of the extra days.
"It is all about getting comfortable with the conditions and that will push the team to good performances in the tournament," said national team manager C. Pathmanathan, who is also the Malaysian Darts Association treasurer and the Selangor Darts Association president.
"It is important to do well in the competition for Malaysia. The players are very determined to do well and get a good ranking, and also continue to compete in this tournament in the coming years."
The players in the national darts team: (from left) Anbaarajan Retinasamy, Timothy Ryan Theseira, Nasir Jantan, and Tenooth Sivalingam.
The WDF World Cup is a darts tournament organised by the World Darts Federation and held biennially since 1977. It has featured men's events since the beginning, while women's events were added in 1983 and youth events in 1999. The most recent tournament, the 2023 World Cup, was held in Esbjerg, Denmark. Malaysia is making an entry to the tournament after an absence of 14 years, having last taken part in 2011.
The Malaysian Darts Association last week announced the national team and will also unveil the national team outfit during a special ceremony at the Wyndham Grand Bangsar Kuala Lumpur on Sept 18.
National assistant team manager Kalaiarasan Nadarajan also thanked the main sponsor, Ultifresh Activewear, for their immense contribution to the national team for the tournament.
"The national squad (all of us) are very thankful for Ultifresh and Wyndham. Also, a special thanks to Gerald Eng, Director of Ultifresh Activewear, who has been an immense help to the national darts team.
"There are also other sponsors for the team and we thank them all for their contribution," said Kalaiarasan, who is also the MDA vice-president and Johor DA vice-president.
Other sponsors include Altis, Johor Darts Association, Ascents, Kinta Indian Association, Reka Tulin Services, Tessen Trading, 3rd Eye Production and Sun Rayz.
Malaysian team manager Pathmanathan Chandraraja and assistant team manager Kalaiarasan Nadarajan (right).At the WDF World Cup, the Malaysian quartet will be playing among the very best darters that are playing in the top leagues across the world, and Kalaiarasan is confident the players will be giving more than their best at the tournament
"This is indeed an honour for Malaysia. The last time we took part was 2011," said Kalaiarasan. "We are proud that Malaysia is back in this elite tournament after 14 years. The Malaysian national team promises to go all out to have a good, solid run in this tournament."
Malaysia will be represented by a seven-man team at Seoul. MDA president Nancy Ambrose will also be travelling with the national team for the tournament and representing the country in all the WDF meetings.
Meanwhile, Pathmanathan also said the four players are gearing up well for the tournament.
"The team is also shaping up well, and we have set a target of finishing among the top 16-placed teams. Also, if we make the last eight, it will be an incredible achievement. Ultimately, we are aiming for a very good run in the tournament," said Pathmanathan.
Among the favourites for the tournament are England, while host South Korea and Japan will lead Asia's charge. England has already announced that Scott Mitchell, the former World Champion and previous PDC Tour Card holder, will anchor his country as the captain in South Korea, bringing his valuable experience to the side.
Besides South Korea and Japan, the Asia-Pacific region dart members comprise the following: Brunei, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Macau, the Philippines, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and Thailand. Besides Malaysia, the Philippines will also lead the charge for the South-East Asia region.
"A total of 46 nations have been invited this year. We can be proud that Malaysia is in this group," said Pathmanathan. "Our Malaysian darters will also be taking part in the South Korea Darts Championships after the World Cup. This Korean meet will be held immediately after the World Cup."
The participating team for the WDF World Cup (46 countries): Australia (men - women - youth); Austria (men - women - youth); Bahamas (men - women); Bahrein (men); Canada (men - women - youth); Chinese Taipei (men - women - youth); Croatia (men - women); Cyprus (men); Czechia (men); Denmark (men - women); Egypt (youth); England (men - women); Estonia (men); Faroe Islands (men - women); Finland (men - women - youth); France (men - women); Germany (men - women - youth); Gibraltar (men); Hong Kong (men - women); Iceland (men - women); India (men - women); Italy (men - women); Republic of Ireland (men - women - youth); Japan (men - women - youth); South Korea (men - women - youth); Liechtenstein (men); Lithuania (men - women); Luxembourg (men - women); Malaysia (men); Mongolia (men - women - youth); Netherlands (men - women - youth); New Zealand (men - women); Northern Ireland (men - women); Norway (men); Philippines (men - women); Romania (men - women); Scotland (men - women); Slovakia (men - women); South Africa (men - women - youth); Sweden (men - women - youth); Switzerland (men - women); Thailand (men); Turkey (men - women - youth); Turks and Caicos Islands (men - women); Ukraine (men); US (men - women - youth); Wales (men - women).
