Jones Chasing Home Event Spot

WOLVERHAMPTON'S Wayne Jones has set his sights on winning a place in his home-town PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts in November.

Jones, the world number 23, has yet to qualify for the ITV-televised event, which sees finalists from major PDC and BDO/WDF organised tournaments converge on the Wolves Civic from November 14-22.

The former World Championship semi-finalist competed in the first Grand Slam of Darts in 2007 but missed out last year.

"I'd love to play in it again," said Jones. "I was a bit overawed last time with it being my home town and being in front of my own fans and I lost in the group stage.

"But I would love to have another crack at it. It's a fantastic tournament and brilliant to have it in Wolverhampton.

"My chances to qualify are running out but hopefully I can get there - I'll be doing everything I can."

He has just four chances remaining to qualify for this year's event, in the internet-streamed Championship League Darts, at October's Skybet World Grand Prix, November's European Championship or in the last-ditch ITV Wildcard Qualifier.

However, the house husband to three daughters is unable to travel to ranked events in Australia and America during August and will only compete in Austria in early September in his bid to keep hold of his qualifying place in the World Grand Prix and European Championship.

"The next few weeks will concern me because other players are travelling to Australia and America and they could jump above me if they do well," added Jones.

"But I can't concern myself with that, all I can look to do is perform in Salzburg in September.

"I missed too many doubles in the World Matchplay recently and lost to Colin Lloyd in the first round, but if I can get past the first round there's no reason I can't do well in any event!"

Tickets for November's PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts go on sale on Monday August 3 from the Wolves Civic Box Office on 0870 320 7000 and from www.wolvescivic.co.uk.