AUSTRALIA'S new darting sensation Corey Cadby is gearing up for his big-stage debut against the sport's top players when the Ladbrokes Sydney Darts Masters is held from August 18-20 at The Star.
Victoria-based Cadby is amongst eight Oceanic players who will compete against eight PDC stars, including world number one Michael van Gerwen and the legendary Phil Taylor, in the fourth staging of the World Series event in Sydney.
The Tasmanian-born 21-year-old moved to the mainland to pursue his dream of emulating Simon Whitlock and Kyle Anderson in becoming a darting superstar - and after winning seven DPA Australian Grand Prix events so far in 2016 tops the domestic rankings.
Cadby has yet to step onto stage in a televised tournament, but will get his big chance on Thursday August 18 when the Sydney Darts Masters begins - with the youngster set to line up against the likes of van Gerwen, Taylor or World Champion Gary Anderson at The Star Event Centre.
"I'm extremely proud of myself for what I've achieved this year," said Cadby, who linked up with top National Rugby League stars Paul Gallen, Wade Graham and Adam Reynolds at The Star on Thursday ahead of his TV debut.
"The talent that Australia has is incredible so to be winning events on the DPA circuit is fantastic.
"Part of the reason I moved to the mainland was to play darts, knowing there were a lot more competitions, and qualifying for Sydney and also Perth later in August is a massive part of my darting career.
"It's everyone's dream to play on TV and to play against the world's best. They're all professionals but if I lose I won't be going out without a fight.
"I'm going up on the stage to show Australia and the world what I'm capable of. Simon Whitlock's someone I have looked up to and cheered for whilst growing up, but now that Kyle Anderson's doing it too it's fantastic.
"There's nothing better than watching a mate achieve his dream and he's doing us all proud. It goes to show everyone that Australian darters have the ability to be world class!"
Cadby is joined in the event by the two top Australian PDC professionals, world number 20 Whitlock - a former World Championship finalist and European Championship winner - and Perth's Anderson, who has moved up to a career-high 30th on the PDC Order of Merit this year.
Perth-based David Platt - the DPA number two who has won six ranking events this year - and Victoria-based Harley Kemp and Rhys Mathewson, who will also be making his TV debut in Sydney, complete the Australian contingent and are joined by New Zealand pair Cody Harris and Rob Szabo.
The first round of the Ladbrokes Sydney Darts Masters sees the eight Oceanic Representatives drawn against the PDC stars, with van Gerwen, Anderson and Taylor joined by former World Champions Adrian Lewis and Raymond van Barneveld, seven-time major champion James Wade and multiple major finalists Peter Wright and Dave Chisnall.
Saturday August 19 sees the quarter-finals held, before the World Series of Darts event concludes with the semi-finals and final on Sunday August 20.
Tickets are available now from Ticketek via www.ticketek.com.au .
For more information about The Star, visit www.star.com.au . Ticket holders can receive 15% off their total bill on the day of their ticket at the Harvest Buffet at The Star.