World Grand Prix darts star Ryan Joyce opens up on crippling fear holding back career

Ryan Joyce knocked Nathan Aspinall out of the World Grand Prix on Wednesday, but the Newcastle ace has a phobia that could severely impact his darts career

He's proven himself a force to be reckoned with at the oche - but darts star Ryan Joyce is facing an uphill battle to keep his dreams of making it to the top alive.

The 39-year-old, who clinched a surprise victory over World No. 5 Nathan Aspinall at the World Grand Prix on Wednesday, has opened up about his fear of flying and how it's impacting his darts career. He's had to miss a number of European Tour dates due to his phobia, and could miss many more if he maintains his stunning form.

After beating Aspinall, Joyce claimed that, on his day, he could beat anyone in the sport, but his hopes of reaching the summit are clouded by his need to overcome his crippling fear. "Anybody that's watching or listening that doesn't like flying can understand," Joyce told SportsBoom.com.

"Having to get two flights to get to a European tour most of the time living in Newcastle, it's difficult and sometimes just seems easier just not to go. At the moment, the furthest I’ve had to travel is only the Czech Republic or Hungary. It’s only maybe two hours on a plane, so that’s not too bad."

Despite his predicament, Joyce says he hasn't sought professional or medical help because his phobia hasn't particularly impacted his career thus far. "You're talking about something that's completely new to me. I've never been in the position before," he said.

"So just like anything in life, whatever comes at you, you deal with it on the day when it happens. I haven't actually planned anything or thought about it yet."

Joyce is gearing up to face Rob Cross in the quarter-finals this Friday after Cross ousted Luke Littler in the first round. If Joyce wins, he'll be heading into a semi-final showdown with either the World No. 1 Luke Humphries or Jonny Clayton.

Should he pull off the extraordinary and clinch the title, he'd undoubtedly earn himself a treasure trove of exciting opportunities, including international ones. But while this could present a serious problem for him, Joyce is determined to take things as they come.

"If I ever did get to the point where I was picked for a World Series event, for example in America or Australia, it is something that I would have to consider," he said. For now, Joyce is keeping his feet firmly on the ground - fittingly, the place where he feels most at ease.

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