NATHAN DERRY hopes that the SINGHA Beer Grand Slam of Darts can be the event to launch his career, following a first-game win over Alan Norris.
The 29-year-old from Norfolk is in his fourth year on the PDC circuit, and after qualifying for three previous UK Open has made his impression in front of the TV cameras in Wolverhampton.
Having won through the PDC Qualifier to secure a spot in Wolverhampton, he now takes on World Champion Gary Anderson in Sunday's second matches before a clash on Monday with BDO number one Glen Durrant.
"It's hard to get there, but I think your best game comes out up there," said Derry, nicknamed "The Firework".
"When you start playing you dream of being up on the big stage, and in the UK Open I lost a game against Mervyn King 9-8 when I was 8-5 up, and that would have got me on the main stage, so I'm glad I've finally got up there.
"I'm over the moon to win and I enjoyed it. It was a tight game and I was just happy to get over the line because I normally lose last-leg deciders.
"I've got the reigning back-to-back World Champion and the BDO number one, but I'll give it my best and if I can get one more win I might get through, I'm playing okay and I'll give it a shot."
Having won his Tour Card at the 2015 PDC Qualifying School, Derry is coming to the end of his second full year on the circuit and is aiming to secure a top 64 place to retain his professional status.
He admitted: "I started my first year really well and I've had a nightmare this year, barely won any games on the ProTour. I qualified for this and I've put the hard work in, and hopefully it will pay dividends further down the line.
"I think I've got to get to the last eight here to retain my Tour Card so I'll be trying my heart out, and if I end up at Q School again then I'll see how I go."
Derry still works part-time at his family's garage, but has been supported during his emergence on the circuit by world number five Peter Wright and wife Jo, who live only 30 miles away in East Anglia.
"The support I've had behind the scenes is incredible, with Peter and Jo and also my family and friends," said Derry. "If I can't make it with them behind me I'll never make it and I want to make the most of the opportunity.
"If you can't learn from Peter how to play on stage, then you'll never learn! He lives about half an hour away from me and when he's at home I get across to practice with him - I take some beatings but it stands me in good stead.
"I work with my dad, he runs an auto-centre and I do the paperwork two or three days a week, but he's flexible with me going away to the darts. Alongside Peter and Jo, what my parents do for me makes my life easier and takes a lot of pressure off me."