WES NEWTON is looking to put behind him three years of hurt when he makes his debut in the Stan James World Matchplay on Sunday.
Newton, 28, revealed he has stayed away from the Winter Gardens tournament in recent years after joining the Professional Darts Corporation's circuit due to the disappointment of not qualifying for the event himself.
He has now lifted himself up to 21st in the world rankings, earning an automatic place in the £150,000 tournament and a debut in front of his home crowd against John Part on Sunday.
"I've been going to the Winter Gardens since the tournament began, but I've not been for the past couple of years because it hurt too much to watch and not be involved," said the Fleetwood star.
"When I started playing on the circuit three or four years ago it was a big goal of mine to qualify, with it being my home town.
"I've been so close for the last two or three years. Two years ago I lost in the final game of the play-offs in the very last leg to Mark Walsh, and last year I missed out on automatic qualification by a point.
"Just to get here at last is great - I'm absolutely over the moon."
Newton took on Part in the semi-finals of the Las Vegas Desert Classic at the start of July, with the Canadian coming from behind to triumph 4-2 before going on to win the event.
"I'll have to try and get some revenge on him!" said Newton. "I was 2-0 up in sets in Vegas and he came back brilliantly.
"He's a good bloke and I get on well with him, but I'll be definitely trying to get my own back!
"I did my best ever last year getting to the semi-finals in Las Vegas, so to do it again this year proved it wasn't a one-off.
"I beat some great players on the way, so it's good for my self-confidence."
Live Commentary and match highlights will be available throughout the Stan James World Matchplay for DartsTV subscribers, along with a free scorecentre to follow the action.
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