Darts prodigy Zane Kilroy will represent Australia at the World Darts Federation Masters in Hungary. Photo: Faith Macale
Photo by
Faith Macale
Avenel darts athlete Zane Kilroy is the sport’s newest rising star as he prepares himself to represent Australia in the World Darts Federation Masters in Budapest from October 9 to 13.
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Zane’s interest in darts was no coincidence, as his family has been playing in local leagues around the region.
His interest started in darts when he sat in to watch a handful of tournaments when his Dad, Daniel Kilroy, filled in a spot in his grandfather’s team.
“I went and watched a couple of times,” Zane said.
“When I was 13, I joined the team and just took over the league.”
When Zane got the news of his upcoming competition in Hungary, he couldn’t believe it.
“I didn’t think anyone knew me,” he said.
“I didn’t think I was recognised anywhere, so to get the notification I was invited to go to Hungary was pretty big.”
Daniel said there were tears in his eyes when he heard the news.
“I don’t think he’s seen me any prouder than I was,” Daniel said.
“Mum and I were both over the moon.”
“When the selector rang, called Zane, and he's like ‘Oh you want to get mum and dad together, I just wanted to talk to you all’ and then he's like ‘Oh well, Zane’s been selected to represent Australia’.
“We all did a little happy dance!”
Proud dad Daniel Kilroy is giving full support to Zane on his competition in Hungary.
Photo by
Faith Macale
Zane’s achievement, of course, didn’t stop with his family, as the community has started banding together to quickly raise funds to send him to the competition.
“Everybody loves him and when they got the news, they were all so excited and like ‘How can we help?’,” Daniel said.
“Even the local pub has been doing raffles and sponsorship, and that sort of stuff, so we're doing a lot of fundraising.”
“I get overwhelmed sometimes,” Zane said when he receives compliments and support from the community.
“When I was over in Alexandria getting donations, I was very emotional.
“I don't know how to accept it.”
Zane had played for four different leagues at once, then joined the state team.
After that, he faced other athletes from New Zealand when he competed in Queensland.
This year, Zane led Victoria to its first championships win in nearly 20 years, and he won the Betty Hislop Award for Champion boy and had the top average in the Australian Junior Championships with 68.2.
“It was just a big jump from like nothing to everything at once,” Zane said.
“To get picked as one of two people (to represent Australia) ... I got the phone call, and I was like, ‘Mum and dad are going to cry’.”
As he gets ready to head to Hungary, Zane has a lot to prepare, but he said he does not feel the pressure yet.
“Just being in a new country, obviously it's a big thing,” he said.
“Being around people in the same competition or more competition gets me better darts.
“I’m excited to meet new people.”
Zane said when one loves a sport, they must do their best to do well.
“Don't let your mental game ruin you,” he said.
“You've got to try and stay positive with everything.
“A big part of my game is I'm positive, confident player, so that's how I'm good.”
