Christian Kist eyeing professional return after nursing injury woes

Dutchman Christian Kist has set his sights on a return to the professional scene after nursing injury problems which have hindered his progression.

Former Lakeside world champion Kist had his professional status intercepted from him at the backend of 2019 following a turbulent couple of seasons.

Health problems led to a number of setbacks for the multiple-time major quarter-finalist, with those having been somewhat overcome ahead of his PDC Qualifying School campaign.

“I had recurring gout in my fingers, elbows, knees and feet,” Kist explained in a translated interview with dartsnieuws.com. “I now receive high doses of medication and that all works really well.”

He added: “Michael van Gerwen has it too and I have spoken to him about it once. Michael knew exactly how I felt. You can’t do anything at all, for example if you have it on your feet, you cannot walk on it.”

Kist, 34, will be attempting to re-enact his most successful days within the professional game – which saw him reach the quarter-finals at both the Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals.

Kist on the Winter Gardens stage during the 2017 World Matchplay (Photo: Chris Sargeant/Tip Top Pics)

The Dutchman also reached a ProTour final four years ago, in which he defeated both Gary Anderson and Mensur Suljovic, before enduring an emphatic loss at the hands of a rampant Michael van Gerwen.

“The shape is good now,” said Kist. “I practise a lot during the day, often three to four hours a day. Sometimes also with other boys who are going to Q School.”

Kist could lock horns with fellow countryman and five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld at European Q School in Germany, in a repeat of their 2012 Grand Slam of Darts quarter-final clash.

Van Barneveld, 53, has vowed to make an anticipated comeback in the coming months following a disappointing swansong season two years ago.

“I like that in itself,” Kist expressed. “He has put darts on the map in the Netherlands after all. I don’t know if I would have done it in his place, but I do have a lot of respect for him and that he is going to try.

“With his experience and status, it should actually work. It is getting more and more difficult because the level is getting higher.”

Kist attended Q School in January of last year without success, and the Dutchman will be hoping for a more prosperous outcome next month in Niedernhausen.


(Featured Image: Chris Sargeant/Tip Top Pics)

About The Author

Ben Hudd Ben is a dedicated sports writer and has been covering all forms of darts for a number of years, from the grassroots to professional level.

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