COLIN OSBORNE returns to his favourite venue this weekend when the Rileys Darts Zones UK Open takes place at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton.
Osborne reached his first major final a year ago when he battled into the decider at the UK Open, eventually losing to Phil Taylor on the Bolton stage.
He has also reached the semi-finals at the 2007 UK Open and the quarter-finals two years earlier, and admits that the tournament holds a special place in his affections.
"I'm itching to get back there, I can't wait," said Osborne. "Results-wise it's probably my best competition and I think the venue and format both suit me.
"I'll go along on Thursday and have a look at the venue, get the feel of it and get ready for Friday.
"The exciting thing about the tournament is that at the moment you don't know who you're going to play because the draw is done on Thursday night.
"That's why it's the 'FA Cup of Darts' and whatever happens, you can't change it and have to play the match.
"In other competitions the draw is made through to the final because of seedings, so this gives the UK Open a bit of spice and a buzz about it because you don't know who you're going to play.
"There could be a few shocks on Thursday night too of players who you expect to go through but don't."
Osborne led Taylor 3-0 in last year's final before the world number one reeled off nine successive legs on his way to an 11-6 win.
The two could meet again in this year's tournament, with Taylor fresh from hitting a pair of nine-dart finishes in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts final - although Osborne states he would relish the clash.
"Hopefully he doesn't do the two nine-darters again but, to be fair, this is probably Phil's weakest competition, alongside the World Grand Prix," added Osborne.
"He hasn't been as dominant in this competition and maybe he doesn't like the format and the game-on-game kind of thing. But he's always going to be the man to beat.
"I thought I had him in the final last year but I bounced back and beat him in the Championship League Darts final and I do know I've got the game to beat him now."
Tickets for the Rileys Darts Zones UK Open are available on 0844 871 2932 or in person from the Reebok Stadium Box Office.
Watch all sessions of the Rileys Darts Zones UK Open live on Sky Sports HD.
PDCtv subscribers outside of the UK & Ireland can watch live in PDCtv - click here for more information.