BARRIE BATES is closing in on a place inside the world's top 32, after his run of form continued in the Budweiser UK Open Southern Regional Final.
The Welshman won the John Smith's Singles in Eastbourne in February to claim the biggest tournament victory of his career.
He followed that up by reaching the final of the Southern Regional Final for the Budweiser UK Open, losing out 2-1 to Chris Mason .
The 36-year-old from Mid-Glamorgan included Terry Jenkins, Andy Hamilton, Dennis Priestley and Wes Newton among his scalps during the weekend.
And he admits that a more professional attitude off the oche is paying dividends in his performances.
"The only difference is that I'm going to bed earlier!" he said. "I'm really enjoying myself at the moment.
"Beating Dennis Priestley on Saturday was the best one for me because he's playing brilliantly at the moment.
"When you beat players like him, your confidence gets higher and higher.
"When I am beaten the person seems to go on and win the event, so it's not too disappointing in that respect either."
Bates' displays in London saw him jump above Keith Deller to 35th in the rankings, and he now has his sights on an automatic berth in the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.
"The aim is to get into the top 32 before the end of the year," he added.
"I've got Great Yarmouth next week so I'll give it my best there and have a good go during the rest of the year."