WAYNE JONES is hoping that the underdog will have his day in the PartyBets.com Grand Slam of Darts next week.
The Wolverhampton ace is a 100/1 chance with PartyBets.com to take glory on home soil in the £300,000 tournament, which begins on Saturday at midday.
Jones is grouped with fourth favourite Gary Anderson, Barrie Bates and Kevin Painter for the round robin stage of the event, and cannot wait to get going at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall.
"I'm really looking forward to it, and to be honest I am already a bit nervous," Jones told the Express & Star newspaper.
"I'm well aware that there will be an extra bit of pressure on me because I am the home player, and I'm looking forward to that but it is a bit daunting at the same time.
"There are a lot of big names playing in this tournament but it would be lovely if one of the not-so-well players had a good run.
"That is perfectly possible and I would love that someone to be me."
Jones, who qualified by virtue of reaching the semi-finals of the 2006 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship, kicks off his challenge in Saturday's evening session against Welshman Bates.
"It's a shame in a way that I have been drawn against Barrie Bates in the first match because he is a guy I am really friendly with on the circuit," said Jones.
"But that's the way the draw has worked out so we will both get on with it and hopefully I will come out on top."
While Jones is looking to claim the £80,000 winner's cheque live on ITV next Sunday, he admits that competition for top prizes is greater than ever.
"The profile of the sport seems to be getting bigger all the time and the standard of the players is as high as I have ever known it," added Jones.
"Since Barry Hearn has taken over as chairman of the PDC it has rocketed. The game seems to be really healthy at the moment."
Tickets for the PartyBets.com Grand Slam of Darts, which is being held from 17-25 November - are still available from the Midlands Box Office. Call 0870 320 7000 or visit www.wolvescivic.co.uk for more details.