CHRISTIAN KIST: THE DUTCH DARTS CHAMPION WHO DEFIED THE ODDS
Christian Kist, a former road digger, became an unlikely darts world champion in 2012. The Dutchman triumphed over Tony O’Shea in the final of the BDO championship, securing a £100,000 jackpot. This victory was a life-changing moment for Kist, who had been struggling to make ends meet before his remarkable win.
At the time of his championship win, Kist was unemployed and working as a road digger. The £100,000 prize money provided him with a much-needed financial boost. Kist revealed that he planned to use the winnings to buy a house for himself and his girlfriend. It was a dream come true for the underdog who had defied the odds to become a world champion.
Two years later, Kist made the transition to the PDC Tour but struggled to replicate his success in the BDO. He faced challenges both on and off the dartboard. Throughout his career, Kist has battled with arthritis, which has affected his performance. Between 2015 and 2018, he failed to progress beyond the second round of the PDC World Championship.
Kist’s struggles continued in other major tournaments such as the World Matchplay and the World Grand Prix. However, he did manage to reach the quarter-finals of the Player Championship Finals in 2016, showcasing glimpses of his talent and potential.
Unfortunately, further setbacks awaited Kist as he revealed that he had been diagnosed with gout. The disease affected his ability to train and compete at his best. However, with the help of medication, Kist has been able to regain his strength and continue his darts career.
In an interview with dartsnieuws.com, Kist shared his experience with gout: “I had recurring gout in my fingers, elbows, knees, and feet. I now receive high doses of medication, and that all works really well.” The medication has allowed him to manage the symptoms of gout and maintain his performance on the dartboard.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Kist has shown resilience and determination. In 2019, he lost his PDC Tour card, but he has been making a comeback this year. During a PDC Challenge Tour tournament last month, Kist recorded one of the highest match averages, throwing an impressive 108.91 per turn average in his victory over Carl Sneyd.
His recent performances have propelled him to second place in the rankings after 19 events, earning him £7,200 in prize money. Kist’s resurgence is a testament to his talent and perseverance, proving that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Christian Kist’s journey from an out-of-work road digger to a darts world champion is a remarkable story of triumph over adversity. Despite facing setbacks and health issues, Kist has continued to pursue his passion for darts and showcase his skills on the big stage. His determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to aspiring darts players and a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
As Kist continues to make his mark in the world of darts, fans eagerly await his future performances and hope to witness more moments of brilliance from this talented Dutchman.