Suzuki plans to top Legend Phil Taylor

Japan's dart sensation and world champion not afraid to set high goals after humble start

Described as the Phil Taylor of women's darts, Japan's Mikuru Suzuki has plans to dominate the sport after becoming the first Asian player to capture a world title. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Described as the Phil Taylor of women's darts, Japan's Mikuru Suzuki has plans to dominate the sport after becoming the first Asian player to capture a world title. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Baby Shark is her walk-on song when she enters the arena for a major competition and it aptly captures the bubbly personality of Japan's dart sensation Mikuru Suzuki.

But make no mistake. The 37-year-old, whose bleached hair suggests someone comfortable with the spotlight, is a cold-blooded killer in competition, as she boldly told The Straits Times: "My ultimate goal is to be greater than Phil Taylor."

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 04, 2019, with the headline Suzuki plans to top Legend Phil Taylor. Subscribe