At the 2025 Flanders Darts Trophy, held from August 29 to 31 at the Antwerp Expo in Belgium, Ryan Joyce, the world number 24 darts player, faced an unexpected hurdle that left him visibly off his game. The Newcastle native, known as ‘Relentless’ for his tenacious style, attributed his lackluster performance to a new fitness regime that left his muscles aching and his precision faltering. Despite the setback, Joyce managed to scrape through to the third round, advancing due to Gerwyn Price’s withdrawal from the tournament with a hand infection. His journey, however, was far from smooth, marked by a gritty 6-5 victory over Ricardo Pietreczko in the first round, where his average of 88.36 was well below his usual standard.
The Flanders Darts Trophy, the tenth stop on the 2025 PDC European Tour, boasted a £175,000 prize fund, with £30,000 reserved for the winner. The event saw a star-studded field, including reigning world champion Luke Littler, who ultimately claimed the title, and other heavyweights like Michael van Gerwen and Dave Chisnall. Joyce, however, struggled to find his rhythm against Pietreczko, a match he described as a missed opportunity for both players. “There were some really bad moments in that game. We were both miles off it,” Joyce admitted post-match. “Whoever was going to lose that game was going to be frustrated that they missed a good opportunity to get through to the next round. I think I was just lucky to come out on top.” His candid reflection highlighted the physical toll of his new gym routine, which he revealed had left him unable to practice effectively. “I haven’t been able to practise because my muscles really hurt,” he said, pointing to the soreness from weight training and running as the culprit behind his dip in form.
Joyce’s early season had been promising, with a final appearance at the European Darts Trophy and a semi-final run at the Austrian Darts Open. Yet, the Flanders Darts Trophy exposed a stark contrast, as his performance on the big stage faltered. The match against Pietreczko, the 2024 runner-up, was a tense affair, with Joyce surviving three match darts to secure the win. His advancement to the last 16 was secured without further play when Price, sidelined by a swollen hand, withdrew, granting Joyce a bye. However, his campaign ended in the third round against Damon Heta, who dispatched him 6-4 in a match where Joyce’s scoring remained inconsistent, hampered by the lingering effects of his fitness overhaul.
The tournament itself was a rollercoaster of surprises, with top seeds like defending champion Chisnall and two-time world champion Peter Wright falling early. Chisnall was ousted 6-4 by Germany’s Leon Weber, while Wright suffered a 6-1 thrashing from Luke Woodhouse. Michael van Gerwen also exited in the second round, stunned 6-3 by Gian van Veen. Amid these upsets, Joyce’s struggles were less shocking but no less frustrating. His physical discomfort was evident as he battled through, with the Antwerp crowd witnessing a player grappling with both his opponents and his own body. The 39-year-old’s decision to intensify his fitness regime was part of a broader effort to maintain peak performance, a necessity in a sport where precision and stamina are paramount. Yet, the timing of his gym commitment clearly backfired, disrupting his preparation for a crucial European Tour event.
Joyce’s experience underscores the delicate balance professional darts players must strike between physical conditioning and competitive readiness. While his early 2025 successes showcased his potential, the Flanders Darts Trophy served as a humbling reminder of the sport’s unforgiving nature. As he looks ahead to the Czech Darts Open and a busy autumn schedule, including the BoyleSports World Grand Prix in Leicester from October 6-12, Joyce will need to recalibrate his training to avoid similar setbacks. For now, his third-round finish in Antwerp, bolstered by Price’s withdrawal, keeps him in the hunt for the European Darts Championship qualification, where he sits 12th on the European Tour Order of Merit. With his resilience and experience, Joyce remains a formidable contender, but his Flanders Darts Trophy performance highlights the challenges of pushing physical limits in a sport that demands pinpoint accuracy. As he reflected on his narrow victory, Joyce’s determination to overcome his physical woes signals his intent to return stronger, ready to reclaim his relentless form on the oche.
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