“I feel privileged” – Exclusive Interview with PDC tour card winner Robert Marijanovic

Robert Marijanovic recently won his first PDC tour card at the European Qualifying School in Hildesheim and he spoke to The Maximum in an exclusive interview.

Marijanovic is currently competing in the German Superleague and the Professional Darts Corporation following his victory at the first ever European Q School. “My parents had a pub, where they got an Electronic Darts Machine in 1992. I started to spend my afternoons at it and found out that I had talent,” the Croatian star said when asked how he found his way to the dartboard.

‘Robstar’ has qualified for the William Hill World Darts Championships on two occasions reaching the first round proper in 2014, following a 4-3 victory over Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena in the preliminary round. The year before he was beaten by a winner on the ProTour and World Grand Prix champion Daryl Gurney 4-3 in the preliminary round. It felt realy good [playing at the World Championships]. Not only playing on the stage was great, I remember the moment when I came to the Hotel where all my idols were sitting at the Hotel bar and I had a good feeling, knowing that I am part of that tournament.”

Marijanovic is currently competing in the German Super League with the likes of Gabriel Clemens, Martin Schindler and Max Hopp, a very tough league phase full of world class quality. The Croatian ace gave us a little insight into the competition, “The competition is really tough. For me it is the perfect practice and motivation to getting better. 15 opponents who want to beat you. This year’s Superleague is packed with some of the best players, maybe the best players in all of Germany. The Superleague made me a better player for sure and gave me so much experience for tougher situations in other tournaments.”

The former Bulls Superleague play-offs winner won his tour card in January courtesy of the European Qualifying School Order of Merit and will keep the card for two years. Robert gave us his thoughts on winning the golden ticket, “I feel priviliged, to be part of the Darting Elite. Also it is just the beginning and the real work begins after winning a tour card. I want to show that I belong in this circle of players.” Marijanovic will join the other 127 tour card holders and compete on the full circuit.

Obviously, a lot of hard work is needed to compete on the full circuit and the hard work starts here for the Croatian. “First of all I have to talk with my boss. I will need a lot more days off work. I plan to change my practice routine completely and try to focus on checkouts more. The big and important checkouts in close matches are vital in darts today.”

“My goal is finishing under the Top 64 in the Pro Tour OoM after the first year. That would earn me a spot at the Player Championship Finals. Also I want to work on my equipment. I think me and my Darts Supplier One80 can change my setup to get another 2 or 3 % out of my game. I feel not 100% comfortable with the shape of my darts on the front, where I hold them and will try to solve this with David, who is working for One80 and understands what I mean, when I try to explain anything about the equipment.”

Robert Marijanovic currently looks set to make his debut at the Coral UK Open in March after making the last 32 in the third event of the year. Marijanovic beat Ricky Williams 6-1 in the opening round, averaging 102, before beating Simon Whitlock and Jan Dekker. Dave Chisnall was the man to beat the Croatian.

Thanks to Robert Marijanovic and I wish him the best of luck for the rest of the season!