DENNIS Smith will be hoping to pick up where he left off when he returns to Barnsley this weekend, writes ANDY WARREN.

On his last visit to the Barnsley Metrodome on March 25 the 42-year-old put in a superb run of form to reach the final of the UK Open qualifying event, only losing out to 15-time world champion Phil Taylor.

His performance saw him rise to ninth in the UK Open Order of Merit, and all but secured his place in the top 32 qualifiers for the finals in Bolton in June with four events remaining, including two this weekend.

With The Power not in attendance this weekend after already making sure of his place in Bolton, Smiffy is looking to go one better this time around.

“I am feeling good going into this and I am feeling better and more confident in my darts all the time,” he said. “I did well in Barnsley last time, so I hope I can go one better this time given Mr Taylor will not be competing.

“I think I am 99-per-cent certain of making the top 32 for Bolton, but you never know, and it is important I keep on going and pick up prizemoney because even the smallest amount can make a big difference.”

Before he gets to grips with the UK Open qualifiers, Smith will also take part in a European Tour qualifier in a bid to reach a tournament in Vienna at the end of the month.

The top 32 in the rankings have already made it through, but 66 players will be looking to claim one of the 20 remaining places at the event.

“This will be a very interesting one I think, “ Smith said. “There are 20 places and the players are split into five groups with the top four from each making it through.

“There are some good players taking part, so we will have to see.”

Johnny Haines will also be competing across all three days, and is looking forward to getting back on the oche.

“It should be a good weekend, and I hope I can do well,” he said.

“It is all about the draw in all of these events, so it would be nice to get some luck.

“I have done well in the UK Open qualifiers and I want to keep that going to make sure I can make it into the top 32.”

Youngster Chris Aubrey will also be making the trip to Yorkshire, and is looking to kick-start his season.

Since gaining the support of world number three James Wade at the start of the year, Aubrey has played well without gaining the results his performances have deserve, but is hoping to put that right soon.

“I don’t think I have had the luck this season, and that is vital,” he said. “I have been playing well but not getting the results, but I am hoping that will change.

“I want to do well in the UK Open and there are a few of those left, and I also want to see what the European Tour is like.”