DENNIS Smith will be looking to continue his good recent run of form when he travels to the second weekend of UK Open qualifiers in Barnsley.
The veteran put in a good performance in his last PDC event, beating former world number one Colin Lloyd as he progressed well at the two Players Championship competitions in Reading at the beginning of the month.
Smith had not enjoyed the best start to his season having not picked up any prize money from the opening two qualifiers in Crawley, but he will be looking to put that right both tomorrow and Sunday.
“I’m really looking forward to this tournament having played better at Reading, and I am feeling good,” he said “I have been throwing well in practice and playing in the pubs and that will stand me in good stead I am sure.
“When you get in good form it is always good to keep it going and that is what I will be looking to do in Barnsley.
“These tournaments are funny ones because there is no seeding at all so anyone can play anyone, and it is all on the luck of the draw, so I will be hoping for some luck.
“I didn’t start the season greatly but as the year has gone on I have found some form and I want that to carry on.”
Smith performed well in Reading despite suffering with shingles in the week leading up to the event, but accredited his good display to the rest he was able to have before taking to the oche.
This time around, he is hoping is increased confidence levels will see him through.
“I did say after Reading that I should have shingles more often, but I am over it now and feeling better and better day by day.
“Confidence is a very important, and sometimes when you get up on the oche it is not about how good you are, it is about how confident you feel.
“We are all good players and are all capable of winning, so a lot of it is mind games.
“If you feel like you are struggling you will be in trouble because you have to be confident.”
Smith’s fellow Swindonian Johnny Haines will also be looking to continue his recent good form in Barnsley, after storming to eighth in the order of merit after winning £1,600 last time out following a superb weekend.
Youngster Chris Aubrey along with Rhys Dudley and Richard North will also be hoping to impress.
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