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An emotional Callan Ridge breaks down in tears after winning his second round match at the PDC World Darts Championship,
Two-time quarterfinalist defeated Daryl Gurney At 3-2 on Tuesday, the match went to a thrilling last-set decider.
The pair embraced each other warmly before Ridgely became emotional in his post-match interview.
He told Sky Sports that Gurney had messaged him in support ahead of their meeting, while Ridgely was struggling with being away from home due to his grandfather being seriously ill.
She said: “Daryl is one of the only boys who knows what’s going on at home with my grandfather. He’s been messaging me asking if I’m OK. I’m getting emotional just thinking about it. I don’t know what to say.
“My head is spinning everywhere but Ally Pally is the best place to play.”
He later spoke more openly about the situation and told reporters how much his family inspires his career. He said: “I wear my heart on my sleeve. I’m struggling. It’s hard when you have things going on at home. I came here to try and forget about it but it’s hard. I play for my family.
“I had a job to do and, thankfully, I succeeded. I had a lot of work at home. I hear the crowd singing my name and smile. But I wish I was at home.”
The world number 42 had previously spoken about being an “inspiration” from his grandfather and suggested he might retire from the game following his passing, adding: “We’re preparing for this last Christmas. I’ll go home now, see how the big man is. Listen, once he’s gone, I’ll probably consider packing. But I don’t know. I’ve got a decision to make if I want to keep doing that.
“I play for my family. My grandmother, grandfather, my mother, they got us into darts. Everything I do is for them.”
His next match will be against Josh Rock or Joe Comito after the Christmas break.