Husband and wife star for Scotland as five players from Falkirk area qualify for disability darts squad

The team includes Denny husband and wife James and Diane Millar and long-term friends Alex Lister, Anne Whyte and Helen Beurskens, and they will all be keen to excel as Scotland host the event for the first time at the Hilcroft Hotel in Whitburn in West Lothian.

“As a team and as individuals, we’re very confident,” James, 60, Scotland’s third-ranked player in the classic division, told us.

"We’re all playing to a very high standard. The standard of darts that our players play to throughout Scotland is unbelievable.

"Most play disability darts and also mainstream darts as well, although my wife doesn’t. I’m especially proud of her because she only took up disability darts two years ago yet has become the third best ranked woman player in Scotland. Her game is fantastic. She’s playing brilliantly.

"She has come on leaps and bounds, to a point that Sky Sports News are actually interviewing her this week.

"It means a lot to me that me and my wife are representing Scotland, and everyone in the team is absolutely buzzing.”

Tonight will see world championship singles matches in the classic and ladies’ classes, with those played to a finish.

Moving on to tomorrow, the compris division will be decided, before Saturday sees a piper acknowledging the entry of competing teams from across the globe taking part in the world cup over the weekend.

James, who plays locally at Falkirk’s Mill Inn, revealed that the Scots – who are all debutants – will be joined in the two competitions by players from several other countries including England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Canada, USA, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and South Korea.

"In terms of who the favourites are to win, it’s up in the air,” James added.

"I know that the current world championships world title holder, who comes from South Korea, is coming over to defend his title.”