CALLAN RYDZ has declared he won’t change for anyone – after putting in the performance of his career.
The 26-year-old needed just 15 minutes to see off Croatian wildcard Romeo Grbavac at Alexandra Palace on Thursday.
Rydz averaged 107.06 in a scintillating performance, smashing a World Championship record previously held by Luke Littler.
The Riot is known for his exuberance on stage and has never shied away from showing emotion.
Both elation and frustration were in evidence during his whirlwind win over Grbavac, which booked him a second-round showdown with Martin Schindler.
Asked after the match if his emotion sometimes gets the better of him, Rydz replied: “Yeah, definitely, but that’s me as a person.
“I’m a fruitcake, I’ll happily admit it. I’m an absolute nutcase.
“But it’s like I’ve said to a few people – if I waited five seconds, nothing gets said, but it’s just my personality. I like to show emotion.”
The darts world rallied around Rydz earlier this season after he broke down onstage at the Hungarian Darts Trophy.
He described being on the Oche and losing as “a lonely f***ing place,” following a loss to Florian Hempel.
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Rydz added on Thursday: “I think [losing] just drains the energy out of you.
“But when I get beat I think I can show a bit more respect to everyone.
“If I’ve disrespected anyone [this season] I’d like to apologise because I don’t think I’m a disrespectful person.”
Germany’s Schindler is next up for Rydz, with the match at Ally Pally scheduled for Sunday night.
I’m a fruitcake, I’ll happily admit it. I’m an absolute nutcase.
Callan Rydz
He added: “I know if my game turns up then I can beat anyone.
“I do that for another few games then I’m world champion. Happy days like. But then, I might retire as well!”
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