Ryan Searle believes he now has the mental strength to compete for darts’ biggest honours as he prepares to face Jonny Clayton in the quarter-finals of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on Thursday.

Searle has reached the last eight at Ally Pally for the first time in his career and remains the only player yet to drop a set, producing a series of composed performances to underline his growing confidence. The 38-year-old was in ruthless form in the last 16, sweeping aside James Hurrell 4-0 while converting 50% of his doubles.

The ‘Heavy Metal’ star has also defeated Chris Landman, Brendan Dolan and Martin Schindler during his run, and now faces world number five Clayton in what promises to be his sternest test of the tournament.

“I feel like I am a massive underachiever as far as majors are concerned,” conceded Searle, who would move into the world’s top ten with victory on Thursday.

“On the other hand, when you look at the draws that I’ve had, I played [Luke] Littler in the World Matchplay, [Gerwyn] Price in the World Grand Prix and [Nathan] Aspinall in the World Grand Prix the year before.

“It has been a bitter pill to swallow, but now I have got a bit more of a stronger mentality and I am ready for bigger matches.”

Searle arrives in North London on the back of a strong 2025 campaign, having claimed two Players Championship titles to take his career tally to seven.

“To not lose a set is great, and I just try to rely on myself to play well,” he added.

“All you hope for as a darts player is to get on the stage and produce the darts you are playing on the practice board.”

Despite refusing to look too far ahead, Searle admitted the prospect of a major final is tempting.

“I think it would be good if me and Gary play each other in the final, just because we practice together,” he joked.

“Whoever it is, it would be cool, but like I say, I can’t look any further than our next game and we look forward to it.”

Source: PDC.TV