BENDIGO'S Justin Thompson has capped a remarkable comeback to competition darts, earning selection in the Australian team to travel to Japan later this year.
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Thompson won selection after an impressive set of performances in last week's Australian Darts Championships in Bendigo.
The 47-year-old was the number one ranked player in the Victorian team, which finished runner-up to eventual champions Queensland.
Thompson only returned to competition darts a few months ago, after a 12 year break from the sport.
His Australian selection also ends a 12 year absence from the national team.
He was last a member of the Darts Federation of Australia team which contested the World Cup in Epinal, France, in 2003.
Thompson will be part of an eight-member team for the Asia Pacific Cup in October.
The right-handed player said he was "stoked" with his selection.
"It's one thing to play a sport, but it's another thing altogether to be asked to represent your country," Thompson said.
"It's one of the greatest things you could do, as you could imagine.
"To have 12 years off and get selected again is amazing.
"I obviously had the odd social game over the years, but when I heard these championships were going to be in Bendigo, I worked hard at getting back there and got there.
"To get selected for Victoria was an achievement on its own."
Thompson had a national championships to savour.
He won the mixed doubles championship with Tori Keiwsh, at 19, the youngest member in the Victorian team.
Thompson recorded a top-eight finish in the singles and was third in the opening weekend's Pacific Masters, behind Western Australian Adam Rowe.
Victoria finished runner-up in the teams event and McMenamin Cup event, while Thompson was third in the top-eight averages.
His last foray into international darts ended with the Australians winning a bronze medal in France.
Thompson hopes to be able to stand on the dais again, with a gold medal the ultimate aim.
His comeback complete, Thompson said there were plenty of new challenges on his dats agenda, including the Victorian masters in September and Geelong Australian Masters, the week before he leaves for Japan.
He's does so content he's throwing arguably the best darts in his career.
"I've matured a bit in 12 years - I'm going to the oche (throw line) and there's no fear at all - no pressure," Thompson said.
"I'm just throwing the dart exactly as I practice it, I've never had that before in my darting career,
"I couldn't have asked for a better comeback."
To sponsor Justin Thompson, contact him on 0477 915 010.
