Dimitri Van den Bergh is delaying knee surgery in his bid to claim further silverware at the BoyleSports World Grand Prix.
The Belgian took glory at the World Matchplay in July as he added to two World Youth Championship victories with a brilliant success in Milton Keynes.
However, he suffered a serious knee injury during a family day out at a theme park during August, and is currently wearing a knee brace as he competes in the World Grand Prix.
Van den Bergh underwent keyhole surgery to remove torn cartilage in his knee, but will still require a further operation to repair a damaged tendon which will leave him needing up to two months recovering.
With a string of televised events coming up, the 26-year-old has opted to continue playing whilst wearing his knee brace for support before having surgery at a suitable break in the darts calendar.
"It's a "trial injury", so I'm hurt in three places," explained Van den Bergh. "I've already had keyhole surgery and I've got one more to go at least.
"The next surgery will be happening as soon as the calendar allows it. I've got to walk around with the knee brace until then.
"My specialist knows exactly what type of job I'm doing. At the moment I just want to give 100 percent in any tournament I play.
"I played at the World Series Finals and Autumn Series with the knee brace and I've learned how it feels."
Van den Bergh continues his World Matchplay challenge on Thursday night against Dirk van Duijvenbode, having overcome world number four Michael Smith in the first round.
"It doesn't matter what tournament you play, as soon as you get over the first round you can relax and focus on what you can do," he said.
"I felt good as well and that showed [in the first round] - it was a strong start. I still believe in my ability and I want to win this."
The BoyleSports World Grand Prix continues from 1900 BST on Thursday with the opening four matches from the second round.
2020 BoyleSports World Grand Prix
Thursday October 8 (1900 BST)
4x Second Round
Dimitri Van den Bergh v Dirk van Duijvenbode
Mervyn King v Simon Whitlock
Gary Anderson v Danny Noppert
Michael van Gerwen v Devon Petersen