JAMES WADE has stated his aim to return to the world's top five as he prepares for the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters.
The left-hander is one of eight top PDC stars who are competing in this week's tournament at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, which kicks off the year's World Series of Darts events.
Although those tournaments do not count towards the PDC Order of Merit, 2014 Unibet Masters winner Wade is hoping that a good run in Dubai can boost his chances of claiming further major titles this year.
Speaking in an interview on Emirates News, Wade said: "Ideally, I want to pick up two TV tournaments this year, that's my real goal, and break back into the top five in the world.
"At the moment I'm number six but I believe I'm worthy of being a top five player. I'm knuckling down and things are turning around and getting better for me."
Wade is competing for a third time in the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters, and will use a heavier set of his Unicorn darts for the first time in competition in an attempt to combat any affects of the unique open-air tournament.
"This year, I've changed my equipment for the first time in 12 years to try and cater for this particular tournament," he revealed. "I'm throwing heavier darts and hopefully they will be more stable."
The World Series of Darts event will broadcast worldwide from Dubai, and Wade has been impressed by the growth since the tournament was first staged in 2013.
"I see it as one of the top darts tournaments in the world now. It's a magical event and it's clever how they do it," he said.
"The first time we played in Dubai, I don't think I've ever been received as well and treated so kindly.
"I thought 'you can't play darts outside', but the way they rigged it and everything is run there seems to be such a great atmosphere in an open arena, and in the second year they improved on it again.
"The game is getting bigger and better everywhere we go. The prize money has gone up, the arenas are getting bigger, the fanbase is bigger and it's a game for everyone to watch and everyone seems to enjoy."
Tickets for the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters are still available, with General Admission tickets and VIP Hospitality tickets on sale. For further information visit www.dubai-darts.com/tickets.