BUDWEISER UK OPEN finalist Barrie Bates admits that his game has improved as a result of the example set by the leading professionals in the PDC.
Bates his enjoying his best year on the circuit, having won the John Smiths Singles in Eastbourne and the Sarantos Restinas Memorial event in Monreal before reaching the UK Open final last weekend.
The Welshman also reached the final of the Southern Regional Final in March, and he admits the development of his game is a result of a more professional approach.
"I was watching the players on the Premier League and the players were saying how much they practice, so you have got to do the same thing if you want to win," said the builders merchant from Bedlinog.
"I work all day and then I go home and practice for two hours a night, and it seems to be working. I'm putting more effort in.
"Last year, I was 42 in the world, and I thought I'd have one good year at it. I'm up to 32 now and have made the final of a major TV tournament.
"I'm just having one of those years. I'm enjoying it so much and having a bit of luck.
"I've been getting to the last 32 for the last few years and now I'm getting to finals."
Bates defeated Wayne Atwood, Wayne Jones, 2004 finalist Roland Scholten, Alex Roy and Alan Tabern to reach the final of his first major tournament.
"I was happy just to get through to the final day," he said. "That was my aim, but to get to the final was like winning the lottery!
"I'll keep on working now but I'm going to play in every event this year. I'm flying in the money list too ahead of next year but I'm just taking every tournament as it comes.
"At the start of the year, I won at Eastbourne and my aim was so that I got into the top 32 and didn't have to go to the World Championship qualifiers.
"My main aim was to be on TV by Christmas, but I've finally done that now!"