STEVE BEATON is hoping to build on his first stanjames.com World Matchplay win since 2004.
The former World Champion came from 4-1 down to take a 10-7 win against Colin Osborne on Monday, ending a run of four successive first round losses in Blackpool.
Beaton produced one of his best televised displays of recent years in battling back to defeat UK Open runner-up Osborne, a result which was a big confidence boost.
"When I was 4-1 down I didn't think I deserved that scoreline and I'm glad I didn't give up," said Beaton.
"Colin started off well and I got back into it, but then I should have made it 6-4 at the second break and let him in to level it.
"But Colin didn't come out quickly in the second half of the game and at 8-5 I thought I'd got him - and then I started thinking about winning and nearly slipped up!"
Despite having well over a decade of experience at the top level, Beaton admitted to suffering nerves as Osborne threatened to hit back from 8-5 down.
"The Embassy was the biggest win of my life but it's still hard to know what to do in a winning situation," he added.
"A lot of times I've gone out first round and I've not felt what it's like to be in that situation and the more I get used to coping with it I'll be fine.
"It's hard to describe to people what it's like on stage when you're in a position to win a game.
"You try to keep yourself calm but it's hard to know how to stay composed and it's a learning curve.
"I've got the darts to do well this week and it's about staying composed enough to do it."
Beaton is one of darts' most active players, enjoying a round of golf as well as being a frequent runner, and is looking to maintain that preparation ahead of Thursday's clash with Mervyn King.
"Keeping fit is important and I had a run and a swim in the day before playing Colin," said Beaton.
"It keeps your mind focused because it's easy for your mind to wander in the build-up to games. If I do well against Mervyn I'll probably put more training in!"
Despite King having spent over two years on the PDC circuit now, Thursday's Winter Gardens meeting will be their first competitive fixture on the big stage.
"I'm looking forward to it," Beaton said. "I haven't played Mervyn for years, probably in our BDO days, but I'm through the first round.
"The pressure's off me now and I can relax and play my game now."
Click here for Steve Beaton v Colin Osborne Match Report
Click here for stanjames.com World Matchplay First Round Photo Gallery