CHRISTIAN KIST defied the odds to become darts world champion as a rookie in 2012.
The Dutchman beat Tony O'Shea in the final to become BDO champion and secure the £100,000 jackpot.
It was a huge reward for Kist, who was an out-of-work road digger at the time of his win.
Kist revealed he planned to put his winnings towards buying a house for himself and his girlfriend.
Two years later 'The Lipstick' joined the PDC Tour but struggled to replicate his form in the BDO.
Kist, who has suffered with arthritis throughout his career, failed to get past the second round in the PDC World Championship between 2015-2018.
READ MORE IN DARTS
I’m a former darts champ- I shouldn’t have become pals with Phil Taylor
Win an incredible Lamborghini + £5k or £100,000 cash alternative from 89p
He also struggled in the World Matchplay and the World Grand Prix but did reach the quarter-final of the Player Championship Finals in 2016.
However, further setbacks would follow as Kist revealed he has suffered from gout.
The disease affected Kist's ability to train but medication has helped him regain his strength.
He said in an interview with dartsnieuws.com: “I had recurring gout in my fingers, elbows, knees and feet. I now receive high doses of medication and that all works really well.
Most read in Sport
STILL GOT IT
Brave Freddie beams playing cricket after ‘incognito’ return in back offices
Eng business
Southgate set to drop key England star for Scotland friendly
WINGING IT
Man Utd ‘offered unemployed ex-Prem star in shock deal’ amid Antony-Sancho chaos
KELL OF A LOOK
Max Verstappen’s girlfriend Kelly Piquet shows ‘dark side’ in black dress
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
“You can’t do anything at all, for example if you have it on your feet, you cannot walk on it.”
In 2019, Kist was dealt a further blow as he lost his PDC Tour card, but he has shown signs of recapturing his form this year.
The 37-year-old produced one of the highest match averages during a PDC Challenge Tour tournament last month, throwing a 108.91 per turn average in his win over Carl Sneyd.
He is second in the rankings after 19 events and has earned £7,200 in prize money from his performances.
Source: Read Full Article
