Barry French ('The Fury') - 07/06/2007

Full name: Barry French
Nickname: 'The Fury'
Interviewed by: Sal

Firstly, true fans know you as The Fury, who initially called you this & why
It was a German lady, who because I hadnâ??t had a shave called me â??the furious furry wolverineâ?? â?? plus I used to throw a couple of bad darts in anger at the board!

Who introduced you to Darts & how long have you been playing darts?
Iâ??ve been playing since I was 21

Started
Feb 2006. I used to play the drums but I got bored of it, so I went to JJB and bought a set of darts and started playing.

Professional
Not yet!! â?? Iâ??ve got a few years to go, but I believe I have the potential to have the ability of a Pro. Iâ??ve been practicing with John Part and Darren Johnson.

Where did you play your very first game?
The 2007 Televised Blue Square UK Open. Previously Iâ??d played in the PDC at Newport in September 06, when I decided I wanted to come back and tried even harder.

Do you have a favourite or lucky venue you love playing at?
Bolton, as I qualified for that, but I would love to play at the Alexandra Palace.

Do you get nervous before your match, if so how do you cope with this?
Yes â?? Iâ??m learning how to handle them!! I try not to have a drink because Iâ??ve always thought â??if you can handle the pressure when sober, you can handle anythingâ??.

What has been your biggest highlight so far?
Beating Andy Jenkins to qualify for the UK Open at Bolton

Do you have any superstitions?
Yes â?? the usual â?? walking under ladders!!

How do you think the game has changed over the years?
I have rapidly improved, bringing my average to 24 per dart after only 3 months of playing, it comes with practice, but unfortunately I do have bad â??yipsâ?? (dartitis) from time to time which can affect how I throw my darts.

Fans are important to any sport, if you could give a message to darts fans what would it be?
Whether you play it or watch it â?? just enjoy what you do. If you want to play, try not to see past your own limitations.

Is there anyone else in the game who inspires you & why?
John Part â?? heâ??s a great dart player, he inspires confidence and is better than anyone at using his experience to keep himself in the game.

Before darts, what was the worst job you ever did?
Insurance, prior to that working in a bakery.

Favourite TV programme
Watching Darts and Little Britain

Favourite food
Sunday Roast (Chicken or Turkey) and Chicken Fried Rice

Favourite drink
Southern Comfort and Diet Coke

Which place would you most like to visit or have you already?
Las Vegas

What do you get up to on your â??day offâ???
I work full time, and I practice darts 5 or 6 days a week too â?? so donâ??t have much spare time!!

What makes you angry?
Wars / Politics / Law System

What makes you laugh?
Good Comedy â?? comedians Bill Hicks, Peter Kay, Lee Evans

Blackpool / Dublin?
Dublin

Chelsea / Man Utd?
Villa

Beer / Wine?
Southern Comfort

Cash / Credit Card?
Cash

Last text received?
Good Luck message from Darren Johnson

Last text sent?
To John Part, telling him that you two nutters (the dartsbabes) were coming up to Bolton, was he going to pop over?