TED HANKEY is eagerly awaiting his Speedy Services UK Open debut next week, having enjoyed his best weekend since joining the PDC in January in the Players Championships in Crawley.
The two-time Lakeside Championship winner was the most high-profile player to join the PDC this year when he took up a Tour Card in January.
Hankey has since qualified to play in the UK Open in Bolton, where he has drawn Speedy Qualifier Danny Dutson in the preliminary round.
Hankey could also face Andy Jenkins and Mervyn King on the opening night of the £200,000 tournament - but insists that after reaching the last 16 for the first time on the PDC circuit in Crawley last weekend that he's ready for the challenge in Bolton.
"The first target was to qualify for the UK Open and I've got there, so I'm happy," said Hankey.
"I'm playing an amateur qualifier and I'm looking forward to it, but you can't underestimate anybody.
"I've been in the PDC for five months and the standard I've seen is incredible, so I know I've got to play good darts.
"I had a great weekend in Crawley and I'm looking forward to Bolton now because I want to get on a roll.
"My problem has been finishing and hitting my doubles, but I've put a lot of time in with practice and I played really well in Crawley."
Tickets for the Speedy Services UK Open televised finals, from June 7-10 in the Premier Suite at De Vere Whites, Bolton, are still available by calling SeeTickets on 0844 871 8807 or by visiting www.seetickets.com.