ALAN WARRINER-LITTLE is looking to begin his career as a full-time professional with a successful challenge in the SkyBet World Grand Prix next week.
The 2001 champion will meet Raymond van Barneveld in round one at the Citywest Hotel - the ideal challenge to test his progress two months after quitting his job as a psychiatric nurse to play full-time.
A win over van Barneveld in the double-start event would set up a meeting with defending champion Phil Taylor or fellow Lancastrian Wes Newton.
"That's probably the hardest draw but I've got to get on with it," said Warriner-Little.
"It's only a short format and it's one of my favourite tournaments so I'm sure I can do quite well and I just need to make sure I'm ready when the time comes."
A win over Roland Scholten in the final five years ago gave Warriner-Little the biggest title of his career, and he was runner-up in 2004 to Colin Lloyd in a tournament he relishes.
"I certainly do look forward to it," says Alan. "It's one of my favourite tournaments for a few reasons.
"I'm turning the corner now with after becoming a full-time professional in the summer.
"You need to put a lot of practice in and there's a lot of paperwork to do. You have to be full-time to take it seriously.
"I'm looking to work my way back up again. I'm aiming to get back into that top 16, that is the first challenge and the second one is to get into the top eight."
Read a full feature with Alan Warriner-Little in the event programme - on sale next week at the SkyBet World Grand Prix
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