He represented Northern Ireland at previous editions of the World Cup of Darts but has since declared for the Republic of Ireland
He represented Northern Ireland at previous editions of the World Cup of Darts but has since declared for the Republic of IrelandDarts player Micky Mansell expressed his delight at the chance to represent the Republic of Ireland at the World Cup - despite previously playing for Northern Ireland at the tournament.
Mansell made his Irish bow on Thursday, partnering Willie O'Connor in a commanding 4-1 group stage victory over Singapore.thrower had previously featured for Northern Ireland at past World Cups, but has always identified as 'Irish' and is thrilled to finally be playing for what he considers his home nation.
"In March the question was asked would I be interested, or if the opportunity became available to represent Ireland would I accept it? ". "I'm Irish, I've had an Irish passport for 30 years. More than probably any of the other Irish lads who's come on the tour, before they were even born," reports His initial step was to speak with O'Connor - who had already secured his spot on the team.
Following that conversation, Mansell then contacted Keane Barry to inform him that he was switching allegiance to Ireland and would be vying with him for the position alongside O'Connor.
"If he doesn't want to play with me and says 'no I'm not happy' or whatever the deed is done at that stage. There's no other conversation.
"I phoned Keane, explained to him. I told him the opportunity had come my way. I explained to him my reasons and why I was going to accept it. Mansell partnered with O'Connor for Thursday's opening victory against Singapore, making history as the first darts player to represent two different nations at the World Cup.
Ireland had to battle hard for the win, with O'Connor expressing strong criticism of the format, which allows the top four seeded teams to bypass the first round and avoid a potentially humiliating early departure.
"In a short format, first to four , you could pick two guys out of the pub and could turn around and win this," O'Connor said. "I'm not just saying it, but it's a good job that those boys that are seeded are into the second round because I don't think the four would come through. "Put those boys into the same round as us. I think everyone in the World Cup should be in the same draw.
"It's the World Cup, every single person in the world should be in the same draw. England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, I don't care who they are.
"It's ridiculous second round of the World Cup. I don't agree with that. I think it's absolutely rubbish.
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