IT could be the worst way, or it could just be the best way, to prepare for a world championship clash with Michael van Gerwen.
But it’s certainly the “Dog and Duck” way!
Mensur Suljovic shared a bizarre leg of missed double-one finishes with Mike de Decker before earning a daunting third-round test against MVG.
It might either dent the Austrian’s confidence – or, more optimistically, lull Van Gerwen into complacency.
But whatever the case, the pub-level ineptness had the Ally Pally crowd “ooh-ing” in bemusement and delight at the lengthy finale to the most crucial leg of the match.
Suljovic’s woes began when he missed three shots at double top.
And when both got down to needing just five their efforts only got worse.
They each threw a single 1, 0 and a single 2 – leaving double top as their target.
Disbelieving commentators said: “They’re both stuck in the madhouse. It’s a real pub leg of darts here!”
De Decker then had to break off from throwing when he had first go – as he couldn’t resist smiling at the crowd’s baying.
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The Belgian star failed – and Suljovic then needed three attempts to succeed as he levelled the second set at 2-2.
PDC Darts’ own social media account saw the funny side as it posted a clip of the leg finale and labelled it “DOG AND DUCK DARTS!”.
Having also survived a poor first set, Suljovic settled down to complete a 3-0 victory.
He was content with his performance but admitted he must improve to threaten Dutchman Van Gerwen.
He said: ‘I’m so happy, I played good today, but I keep my best game for next.
“Michael van Gerwen is the favourite every time. Last game I watched on TV and he played brilliant, second set fantastic, but every game is different.
“I’m a player who likes the long games. I hope I give him pressure.”
Suljovic, 50, also promised not to try to slow the fast-flowing Holland hurler down.
Scot Gary Anderson furiously accused him of doing just that last year.
But Suljovic said: “No, never, never doing this Everyone always tells me I play slow against quick players, but I never do. I play my game, focus on my feelings.
“Michael is my friend, I like him. He’s a brilliant guy.”
