Jamie Hughes looking to play the BDO field

'Yozza' returns to the competition after making his debut at Lakeside last time out, going out in the second round to his pal Glen Durrant, writes Craig Birch.

The 29-year-old darter wants significantly better than that for himself this time, if he can see off a tricky first round tie against Ross Montgomery.

They toe the oche in Frimley Green in the last but one game of this evening's session, live on BT Sport, with the Scot unseeded for the first time.

Hughes is confident, though, with either Gary Robson or Madars Razma next up in round two on Wednesday for the victor of their clash.

The quarter-finals could throw up the likes of Jim Williams, Wesley Harms or even three-time runner up Tony O'Shea later this week.

The player in red-hot form, that man Durrant, is on Hughes' side of the draw in the last four, with three-time world champion Martin Adams on the other side.

Hughes said: "I don't fear anyone, I've beaten both Glen and Martin before, but I just think those two could be that little better than the rest, particularly over the longer format.

"Glen got to the semi-finals last time averaging around 98, which is consistently high darts. He doesn't relent as the game goes on, either. He's been everyone's bogeyman this year.

"Martin has been there and done it so, if you don't get him out early, he's going to take some stopping. I can't meet him until the final, though.

"The semis would be a superb achievement for me, it would guarantee me a spot at the worlds for the next two years so I wouldn't have to qualify.

"I love the circuit, but it's a lot of weekends abroad trying to bump up your ranking points and I have a fiance and a child to think about at home.

"I'm not putting the pressure of an iron-clad target on myself, but I believe everyone has got a chance. There's a lot of contenders in there.

"The game has got a level now where anyone can beat anyone, perhaps even more so in the BDO. I've got to play my own game and stop them playing theirs."

Hughes will play in exactly the same slot as he did at the last worlds, when he saw off preliminary round qualifier Michel van der Horst 3-1 in sets.

This time he jumps up six places as the fourth seed against 'Ross the Boss,' who has slid down the rankings despite reaching the Lakeside quarter-final.

Hughes will walk on to Jeff Beck's 'Hi Ho Silver Lining,' while both his shirt and flights to his darts will proudly display the Black Country flag.

The rising thrower been at the venue since Saturday, when the whole line-up reported for the mandatory players' meeting with BDO officials.

He said: "I've watched Ross and I can't really gauge a weakness, he's just a solid and consistent player. He doesn't to seem to have that extra gear that I do, though.

"I didn't really know what I was getting into last time, so that experience will do me good. I can relax over the weekend and get myself ready.

"I went out in midweek but stayed on for the rest of the tournament, to soak it all up and see first-hand what it takes to become the BDO No 1.

"I wanted to improve since then and I have done, as my seeding suggests. I can give anyone a good go."