LEE Evans hopes to stake his claim for a PDC Tour Card at this weekend’s UK Open.

Evans, 29, will travel to Minehead for the annual competition that will pitch him against the world’s best throwers during a three-day tournament.

The Wiltshire county player, who lives in Kempsford near Cricklade, featured at the UK Open – the only major competition he’s previously competed in – last year, where he was knocked out in the third round by Dutchman Vincent van der Voort.

But after running reigning PDC world champion Rob Cross close in the qualifying stage, losing 6-4, Evans hopes a positive approach to this weekend’s tournament can help boost his winning credentials.

He said: “My game has improved every year.

“It would be nice to get onto the main professional tour. That way I’d be playing the biggest players every week of the year.

“Hopefully I’ll be on the tour next year. I fell one game short of qualifying this year so it’s achievable.

“I was chuffed with how I played in the qualifying stages. Beating Simon Whitlock was great and I ran Rob Cross close.

“It was enjoyable and made the entire weekend a good one.”

Evans currently mixes his career on the stage with his full-time job as a builder and having the flexibility to mix his arrows with his bricks has proved crucial in his development.

“It’s very helpful having the time off to boost my playing ability,” said Evans. “A good run in the UK Open would help get my name out there.

“After this weekend my focus will be on qualifying for the PDC Tour next year by finishing in the top two of the Challenge Tour.”

Playing in front of the TV cameras isn’t something that’s likely to phase the Wiltshire ace, in fact, he relishes playing under ‘pressure cooker’ circumstances.

He added: “I’ve played on stage a couple of times, it’s a lot better for me. I don’t mind having the cameras on me. I do enjoy it.

“The UK Open is the only major I’ve competed in, it’s a nice place to go to.

“Everyone enjoys this event. It’s unique as fans can watch a handful of games at the same time.

“I can understand why it’s so popular.”

The UK Open takes place this weekend, with Evans taking to the stage for the first time on Friday afternoon against Dimitri Van den Bergh.