An Ipswich window cleaner is keen to hang up his bucket and ladder for good and focus on a career on the oche.
Steve Burton secured his immediate future in the sport last month, winning a PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) Tour Card, and heads to Wigan this weekend for the first UK Open Qualifier.
His short-term aim is to earn enough prize money from the six upcoming qualifying events to make the 96-player cut for March’s televised UK Open Final in Minehead.
Long-term, the 29-year-old’s target is to retain his Pro Card – Burton must be in the PDC top-64 when his two-year card expires.
The former Debenham High School pupil, who plays club darts for Clapgate Lane, said: “I want to make darts my full-time job and practice makes perfect.
“I have got two years potentially to change my life.”
Burton secured his Tour Card on his Qualifying School debut in Wigan, last month, defeating seven other hopefuls to win one of 28 spots available.
“I did not know what the level or standard of darts would be like, but I went to Q-School playing well and I am always confident,” explained, Burton, whose favourite current player is Raymond van Barneveld
“I did not expect to win a PDC card on my first day but I was happy, as three of the players I beat went on to secure Tour Cards, so I overcame some good opponents.”
If Burton establishes himself within the PDC ranks, then his life could change immeasurably.
“Darts is growing in popularity all the time and this year there is £11.2m in prize money available (on the PDC Tour),” Burton added.
“I could potentially play some famous names and I am excited about that prospect.
“Consistency is one of my strengths, I have played my best darts over the last two or three years, and at my best, I can give anyone a game.”
Ipswich duo Mervyn King and Ryan Meikle, Bungay’s Andrew Gilding and Hadleigh’s Curtis Hammond will also play in Wigan this weekend, joining the likes of Suffolk’s world number three Peter Wright, current world and UK Open champion, Michael van Gerwen and Premier League regulars, Adrian Lewis and James Wade.
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