Ryan Meikle, a 28-year-old professional darts player from Leiston, Suffolk, is making waves in the world of darts while maintaining his career as a barber. Ranked 61st in the world, Meikle recently faced off against the young sensation Luke Littler in the PDC World Darts Championship. Although Littler secured a 3-1 victory, Meikle remains determined to elevate his status in the sport.

Balancing Two Passions

Meikle has been cutting hair for the past decade at Nick's Gents Hairdressing in Saxmundham. He started playing darts as a child, inspired by his father. Despite his passion for darts, Meikle is not ready to give up his job as a barber. "Obviously one day I'd love to be full-time, but I love my job here as well," he said. Meikle practices darts "a few hours every day" and even has a dartboard at work for quiet moments.

Aiming for the Top

Meikle is focused on making the "next step" in his darts career by progressing further in competitions and championships. "I feel like I can maybe get top 32 [in the world] and you are earning big money then," he added. His dedication and skill were evident in his match against Littler, who admitted it was a "fight until the end."

The Rise of Darts Popularity

Meikle has noticed a significant increase in the sport's popularity, especially among younger generations, since Littler's rise to fame. His own six-year-old son has even started attempting to play darts. Meikle is grateful for the support he receives from his workplace, which allows him to pursue his darts career.

A Unique Pre-Match Ritual

One of the most memorable moments for Meikle was seeing Littler enjoy a portion of chips just 10 minutes before their match. "He was just so chilled - 'I'm just a bit hungry' - just on his phone eating some chips 10 minutes before we're about to play," Meikle recalled. This relaxed attitude is something Meikle admires and hopes to incorporate into his own pre-match routine.

Ryan Meikle's journey is a testament to the balance of passion and profession, proving that with dedication, one can excel in multiple fields. As he continues to aim for the top, the darts world will be watching closely.