GARY ANDERSON is confident that he will be back to his best for the Betfair World Matchplay following his recent eye problems.
The Scot was forced to withdraw from the recent German Darts Championship after struggling to focus through his left eye.
He has since missed the Players Championships in Crawley and the European Darts Open in Dusseldorf whilst undergoing treatment, with specialists hopeful that he can recover without needing an operation on the tear duct in his eye.
"It's been a hard time but hopefully I'm on the road to recovery," said Anderson, who plays Dean Winstanley in the first round of the £400,000 event.
"My eyeball was drying up and every time I blinked it was like I was rubbing sandpaper over my eye.
"I'm still taking eye drops and will keep doing so until the problem clears up, and I'll hopefully be fine for the World Matchplay.
"I'd been struggling to focus with my left eye previously - and I block my right eye with my dart when I throw - but I'm getting back into my practice now and looking forward to getting to Blackpool."
Anderson will have an added incentive at this year's Betfair World Matchplay following the qualification of Michael Smith, who the former Premier League Darts champion has managed for the past 18 months.
Smith, 21, has continued his emergence this year by winning a second Players Championship title in January, and will play Raymond van Barneveld in the first round at the Winter Gardens.
"Michael's done well this year and I'm pleased that he's qualified," added Anderson, who is also mentoring another youngster, Adam Hunt.
"He's still finding his feet on the big stage and learning how to play in front of the TV cameras, but if he settles down early in his match he has a great chance.
"He'll certainly give Raymond a hard game - I know how well he can play, and if he can produce that form on stage it would be no surprise if he wins."
Tickets for the Betfair World Matchplay are still available by calling the Winter Gardens Box Office on 0844 856 1111 or by visiting www.blackpoollive.com.
Click here for the Betfair World Matchplay Schedule of Play
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