JAMIE CAVEN is hoping to take his impressive recent form on the European Tour into the BetVictor World Matchplay next week.
Caven enjoyed his best result on the PDC circuit since October when he won through to the Austrian Darts Open final in Salzburg last month - overcoming Terry Jenkins, Stephen Bunting, Phil Taylor and Peter Wright before losing out to Vincent van der Voort.
Although he lost out to Michael Smith in the last 16 of the Gibraltar Darts Trophy, the Derby ace bounced back with another win over Bunting in the European Darts Open last weekend.
He then knocked out World Champion Michael van Gerwen to reach the quarter-finals in Dusseldorf, and though he was defeated by Kevin Painter is heading to the World Matchplay in confident mood.
"I was using the three European Tour events as preparation for Blackpool and it certainly hasn't done me any harm," Caven told the Derby Telegraph.
"I've shown that if I'm on my A game, I'm capable of beating anyone in the world.
"In the last few weeks, I've done pretty well and beaten some world class players. There's no reason why I can't turn that form into a major win – or a good run at a major."
Caven's challenge in Blackpool will begin against Gary Anderson on Monday night, with the Scot having returned to the world's top 16 with five ranking wins so far this year.
Caven added: "He's playing unbelievably at the moment but if I'm at my best, I believe I've got a good chance, and he will have a fight on his hands.
"He's on great form and I'm under no illusions how tough it will be, but one thing in my favour is that he will be favourite to win, so there's no pressure on me.
"We tend to have close matches, and I don't see this as being any different. I just want to justify my recent form and do well.
"It's a very special place and a wonderful tournament. It should be an electric atmosphere and I'm really looking forward to it."