17:T63a,

His biggest achievement, however, has been breaking through the system, representing his country on the international stage, and gaining recognition from the World Darts Federation.

Eckard – a native of Pretoria – will compete in a crucial South African darts championship tournament in September, facing the country’s best players. Up for grabs is direct qualification for the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship in Belgium.

Eckard had previously been invited to the World Masters 2022 in The Netherlands. He also made the World Cup team in Germany in 2023 and participated in the World Masters in England the same year. In 2024, he earned his national colours, representing Darts South Africa in the 2024 World Cup in The Netherlands as a Protea. And, while speaking to Independent Media, he has made his intentions clear — he wants to add another milestone to his impressive career when the national tournament gets underway in a few months.

“If you want to be the best, you have to do more than the rest. The biggest prize for me is becoming the world champion, and I have come so close on two occasions,” Eckard said.

“If I manage to win the SA Championships, I will get an invitation to the Masters Championship in England. The Masters brings together champions from different countries, and we battle it out, with the winner crowned world champion.

“This year’s results will be crucial because if you get selected, you earn the opportunity to represent South Africa at the World Cup next year in Belgium.”

18:T600,His biggest achievement, however, has been breaking through the system, representing his country on the international stage, and gaining recognition from the World Darts Federation. Eckard – a native of Pretoria – will compete in a crucial South African darts championship tournament in September, facing the country’s best players. Up for grabs is direct qualification for the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship in Belgium. Eckar