James Wilson admits he thought his career was over after a persistent shoulder injury left him unable to throw a…
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James Wilson reveals he feared his career was over amid injury “hell”
James Wilson admits he thought his career was over after a persistent shoulder injury left him unable to throw a dart.
The former BDO number one, who joined the PDC in 2015, reached the Quarter-Finals of the 2018 World Grand Prix but has seen his 2019 campaign blighted by a series of injury setbacks.
Wilson revealed back in March he had undergone an MRI scan following a twitch in his eye lid but was dealt a further blow by an injury in his right shoulder later in the year.
The Huddersfield thrower has dropped out of the world’s top 32 after failing to qualify for a number of TV majors and European Tour events this season, and says he feared his time at the top had come to an end.
“I’ve had such a bad year with an eye injury and shoulder injury,” Wilson told Live Darts.
“It’s been horrendous, six weeks ago I couldn’t lift my arm to throw a dart, I thought my career was over.
“I had an exhibition with Phil Taylor, I had to go on stage and apologise to him because I couldn’t throw.
“He watched and he went “just get home and rest” – I’ve rested and now it’s going well.”
Wilson pulled off a last-leg scalp of Peter Wright in the First Round of the recent Players Championship Finals before losing out to Chris Dobey in the Last 32 and has qualified for the World Championship via the ProTour Order of Merit.
He has been draw to face German debutant Nico Kurz in Round One, with fellow Yorkshireman Joe Cullen awaiting the winner, and the 47-year-old believes he is over the worst of his problems.
“I’ve been to hell and back, I really have, and there’s no mercy from any of the players,” added Wilson.
“They don’t care if you’ve got a bad arm or shoulder, they’re not bothered.
“I’m not fully fit yet, I’ve just come back.
“I’m practicing well, I’m not there yet but I will be.
“You’ve got to drag yourself back and keep pushing.
“I’m a Yorkshireman, I’ve got grit and I’ll fight and come back.”
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