MERVYN KING is hoping to build on his Championship League Darts success in Sunday's Virgin Atlantic South African Masters.
King picked up victory in Group Three of Championship League Darts last Thursday, booking a place in next month's Winners Group in the internet-televised event.
He will travel to the Emperors Palace casino in Johannesburg this week to compete alongside Phil Taylor, James Wade, John Part and the top four South African stars in the South Aftican Masters on Sunday.
It will be King's first appearance in the tournament, but he is looking to produce a good display in his build-up to next month's Skybet World Grand Prix.
"I'm looking forward to the trip," said King. "I've heard a lot about South Africa and darts is growing over there.
"I'll hopefully play a little golf and poker too, although I'm not a poker player so that could be interesting!
"It's a new place to go and an exciting tournament, which I'll be trying my best to win.
"The World Grand Prix isn't that far away so I've got a lot of work to do before then but winning Group Three has given me confidence and I can step up my preparations for Dublin now."
Having competed in his first Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts campaign earlier this year, reaching the final, and then enjoyed a semi-final appearance in the stanjames.com World Matchplay, King gave himself a well-earned holiday in August.
He returned to action in the two Players Championships in Austria before then competing in the Championship League's opening three days.
"I had the whole of August off as I felt I needed a break and it was nice to spend time with my wife," he added.
"Austria was my return to competitive darts after the month and I found that hard because I hadn't thrown many darts during August.
"On the first day of Championship League Darts, even though I managed to get to the semi-finals, was hard work because the darts didn't feel quite right and neither did my arm.
"I made the semis again on day two but on the third day it clicked in and I'm delighted I won't have to come back until the Winners Group now!"
Watch the Virgin Atlantic South African Masters live on Sky Sports on Sunday September 27 from 7pm (BST)
Tickets for the Skybet World Grand Prix are still on sale from the Citywest Hotel Box Office on 00353 1 401 0505 or via darts09@citywesthotel.com