For the first time in his career Shane McGuirk enters the world finals in 2024 WDF World Championships from Brzeg. After defeating Francois Schweyen 5-0 in the semi-finals with an average of just under 93 points, legendary Paul Lim now waiting in the final.
“I can’t believe it! That’s all I can say,” were the Irishman’s first thoughts in his head post-match interview. “I went there and for the first time in a week I had butterflies in my stomach. However, I threw a few practice darts and heard people chanting my name, so I calmed down really quickly and as soon as it happened, Sustained Game, I was just completely relaxed.”
McGuirk, the first Irishman ever to reach a final at Lakeside, has continued to impress this week, averaging multiple times in the 90s and not dropping a set throughout the tournament. “It can be a lonely place if you’re not doing well, not playing well or falling behind in your game. But fortunately, I’m still ahead,” he says. “The atmosphere there was great, like it was the best atmosphere I’ve ever experienced in darts in my life. Everyone sang along with them and I had to sing with them and that brought them to my side.”
McGuirk is unlikely to have any advantage on his side in Sunday’s final when he faces the beloved 70-year-old Paul Lim, who made his World Championship debut in 1982, 13 years before McGuirk. he was even born! “Even I’m rooting for him to be honest,” McGuirk laughs. “I will enjoy every minute of it.”
“This is the final I want. Honestly, it’s the finale everyone wants. Everyone wants to play with Paul Lim at some stage, especially on the Lakeside stage where he hit nine. I just hope that I will be able to perform well again, – sums up the Irish ace. “I expected to win one match and that was it. Then I relaxed. “I can’t say I had any intention of coming here and winning because it was definitely not within my reach.” I thought I would play maybe one or two games under pressure, but I gained confidence and this week was amazing for me.
