Ryan Joyce has been one of the surprise packages of the World Grand Prix this year reaching the quarterfinals in Leicester.
The World No. 35 has defeated Josh Rock and Nathan Aspinall to set up his first quarterfinal appearance of a major since he reached the last eight of the World Championships in 2019.
Relentless has only played two European tournaments this year, in the Netherlands and Belgium, and he’s revealed the real reason after critics and pundits dubbed him ‘lazy’.
Ryan Joyce’s skips Euro shows due to flying fear
After his narrow 3-2 victory over Aspinall, Joyce admitted to a fear of flying as the reason he mostly sticks to UK events.
Speaking to Online Darts, Joyce said: “Anybody that’s watching or listening that doesn’t like flying can understand that it’s a really difficult trip for me having to get two flights to get to European Tours most of the time living in Newcastle.
“It’s difficult and sometimes, I don’t know, it just seems easier just not to go and just play on the Pro Tour in this country.
“I just don’t like flying at all, if I could get the train everywhere I’d go to all of them but it’s just too takes too long.”
Joyce plays Rob Cross in the quarterfinals of the World Grand Prix on October 11.
Joyce provisionally moves into the top 32
Joyce’s fear of flying is something that may become more of an issue as the Geordie looks set to move into the top 32 after his excellent display at the World Grand Prix.
Joyce aims to go further than his quarterfinal against Cross and believes he’s playing well enough to make history in Leicester.
Speaking to the PDC, Joyce said: “This is a tournament that I absolutely love playing in. I am 100 percent certain I can win this title.
“I’ve prepared well for this tournament, I’m a dangerous opponent and I’m going to give it my best shot!”
Joyce will reach his first-ever major semi-final should he beat Voltage in the last eight.