DARTS ace Tony Eccles will face a huge test in his next big tournament.
The Hartlepool star has been drawn against PDC World Championship semi-final Kevin Painter at the Blue Square UK Open at Bolton, which gets underway on Thursday.
Eccles' cause has not been helped either by the fact that he had his darts stolen whi
le in America.
The 37-year-old had reached the fourth round of the tournament in Connecticut, though his satisfaction turned to dismay when his darts were pinched.
"I walked off with £1,500 and the ranking points which that equates to," said Eccles.
"It was a good experience for me, but having my darts taken was a huge blow.
"I need to get my new darts broken in before Bolton because I have Kevin Painter first up.
"Kevin's good and I think this is our third meeting – I've beaten him and he's beaten me and it should be a good match.
"The tournament is being show in Sky and hopefully I can go there and do well.
"I'm not normally a heavy practiser, but on this occasion, I'll have to so I can get the darts bedded in."
The trip to the Reebok Stadium continues a busy summer on the oche for the Stranton Social Club player.
"I've qualified for the World Matchplay in Blackpool in July and the Las Vegas Desert Classic, which I'm over the moon about," he said.
"But I've got to concentrate on Bolton first."
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