Kevin Painter thinks there has never been a better time to be playing darts ahead of the World Championship.
The Artist is ready for clash against Aaron Monk
Kevin Painter thinks there has never been a better time to be playing darts ahead of the 2012 Ladbrokes World Championship.
'The Artist' is on a high ahead of the tournament after winning last week's Cash Converters Players Championship title in Doncaster and with it a £60,000 first prize.
Painter opens up his campaign at Alexandra Palace against PDC Under-21 champion Aaron Monk on Monday night and the youngster will not be taken lightly with so much at stake.
"The days are gone where you get an easy game," he told
SkySports.com.
"You can get a decent draw but easy games aren't about any more.
"The sport is massive at the moment.
"I'm 44 but it would be great to be a young man coming through this and doing well because you can make yourself a millionaire.
"The money's there, the crowds are there and it's great fun.
"If you're a good young player than the sky is the limit for these boys."
Ipswich
Painter lost to Brendan Dolan in the first round 12 months ago and that gives the Ipswich Town fan a little bit of extra motivation.
"I had a poor World Championship last year with all due respect to Brendan Dolan as he played very well.
"I'll be looking to put that right this year by playing very well in the first round and getting through it.
"The World Championship is a place where you don't want to play badly.
"You want to play your best darts."
