Luke Woodhouse has revealed he made the decision to miss the European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen to celebrate his wife's 40th birthday, ending a run of 26 consecutive European Tour appearances. Speaking after his dominant 6-1 victory over Robert Owen at the Austrian Darts Open in Graz, the Englishman admitted there was 'no hesitation' in prioritising family over darts.
Woodhouse, who averaged over a ton and took out 67% of his doubles, told Dartsnews: 'She doesn’t ask me for a lot and she’d never normally ask me to miss anything. So if she asks me to miss something important to her, then of course I’m going to do it. I don’t like missing too many events, but it was my wife’s birthday, so I wasn’t going anywhere.' He added that the choice was 'fairly difficult' but noted he is in a fortunate position to pick and choose tournaments.
Reflecting on his recent run to the final of Players Championship 13, where he lost to Kevin Doets, Woodhouse remained philosophical: 'I’m quite a realist really. I probably take more out of losing than I do out of winning... I lost in the final, but getting to a final — not many people make finals during the year. So it’s coming, and I think I proved today with my performance that I’m in a good place.'
Currently ranked world number 20 without a ranking title, Woodhouse emphasised consistency over flash-in-the-pan success. 'I say to people all the time when we have banter between the lads — I speak to Callan Rydz and he’s won two ProTours, but I’m where I am without winning any titles, so imagine if I start winning stuff. For me, it’s all about consistency.'
Looking ahead, Woodhouse faces James Wade in the third round after Wade defeated Mensur Suljovic 6-3 with a 103-plus average. Woodhouse said he doesn't mind who he plays, noting that slower players like Suljovic give him more time. He also expressed his love for the World Championship and a desire to perform well at the Matchplay, where he has played twice but not shown his best.
