Hong Kong darts pair on target for another run at World Cup glory in Frankfurt

It’s not every sportsperson who would suggest a boozer as the ideal place to meet for an interview – but for Scott Mackenzie and Royden Lam Ting-chi, a Wan Chai watering hole can double up as an ideal practice venue.

MacKenzie’s honing his aim at the oche in preparation for another tilt at the World Cup of Darts. He and Lam put Hong Kong on the global map at last year’s competition with a couple of upset wins on their way to the quarter-finals, where the previous year’s champions, Scotland, proved too strong.

Thirty-two two-man teams from around the world will compete in Frankfurt, Germany, from June 2-5, with Hong Kong’s top pair hoping they can go even further than last year if luck and form are with them.

Reigning champions England – with all-time great Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor – and Raymond van Barneveld’s Dutch pair will be heavily favoured, but Lam and Mackenzie are hopeful they can spring another few shocks.

“The World Cup games are quite short so it’s possible if we play well,” says Mackenzie. “Anyone can beat anyone over one leg but over many legs they have the advantage.

“Hopefully, we don’t get England early on. We could be seeded after last year.”

Mackenzie, who has been in Hong Kong since 1996, is taking occasional jobs as a freelance editor, having left his job as an investor relationships manager at a hedge fund, while Lam’s sponsorship deal with DartsLive also allows him plenty of time to practise.