LUKAS WENIG has revealed he used to be a powerlifter before becoming a darts star after reaching the Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finals.
The 31-year-old defeated fellow German Niko Springer 10-8 to set up a last-eight tie with Danny Noppert.
He became only the sixth German to reach a PDC major quarter-final after being forced to battle through qualifying.
Wenig often displays an impressive physical build when appearing on the oche and has now opened up about his previous past-time before venturing into darts.
He told Sports Boom: “I was a power lifter some years before [he started playing darts] and now I only go to the gym and try to keep my muscles on a level.
“[Power lifting] improved my game really. It helps me to get stronger, to feel more confident.
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“I find the balance to go to the gym, do one-and-a-half-hour workout and after that I go on the practise board. I find my way to keep both going together.”
When asked if he ever did powerlifting professionally, he replied: “No, my best friend is a powerlifter who’s going for the national team and he’s inspired me. It’s great when we work out together.”
Weing was then asked if he was the strongest darts player in the world – but pointed out that Gerwyn Price was still the man to beat.
He replied: “After Gerwyn has lost some weight maybe!”
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Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn 2 – all the info
TIME for round two of this generation’s family feud!
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn go punch-for-punch once again as both rivals look to make their fathers proud.
The blockbuster rematch takes place at the 62,000-seater Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, November 15.
Eubank Jr narrowly outpointed his bitter foe after 12 brutal rounds in April to secure the bragging rights in what was certainly a Fight of the Year contender.
And the two British superstars will dance once more as Eubank Jr aims to do the double while Benn seeks revenge after suffering a first career loss.
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“Gerwyn [Price] is a great inspiration for me. You see it without players; they’re going to the gym to get fitter. He inspired me, now I’m doing it my way.”
Price plays Ricky Evans in his quarter-final, while Luke Humphries will face off against Michael Smith.
Meanwhile, Luke Littler has a clash against Josh Rock in the last eight after beating Wessel Nijman 10-4.
Littler is hoping to retain his title and knows he will become World No 1, usurping Humphries, if he reaches the Wolverhampton final this weekend.
He said: “I had to switch on tonight. I’ve won titles like the World Matchplay coming back from 5-0 down, but tonight I wanted to prove a point and start strongly.
“I know if I get to the final I’ll be world number one, so I’m taking it game by game and hopefully Josh and I can have another great game like we did at the World Matchplay.
“I have my eyes on everything. The title, world number one – if I get to the final I’m world number one – but we’ve just got to take it game by game.”
Read more on the Scottish Sun
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It came as three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen suffered a shock by losing to Noppert in his last-16 clash.
The Dutchman lost 10-6 to continue his struggles after missing out on the Players’ Championship finals.
