Rookie sensation Kirk Shepherd insists he will be playing without fear in the final of the World Darts Championship on Tuesday.
Watch the World Championship final live on Sky Sports 1 from 7.30pm on New Year's Day
Rookie sensation Kirk Shepherd insists he will be playing without fear when he takes on two-time former world champion John Part in the final of the World Darts Championship on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old sheet metal worker from Kent is on the brink of capping one of the most remarkable stories in the history of the game after his incredible run to the final.
A 500-1 outsider at the start of the tournament, qualifier Shepherd has shocked five seeds on his tournament debut, the latest being 13-time world champion Phil Taylor's conqueror Wayne Mardle in last night's semi-final.
His run has evoked memories of the 1983 exploits of fellow qualifier Keith Deller, who beat the legendary Eric Bristow in the final.
Youngest
Jelle Klaasen emulated that feat in the BDO tournament in 2006, as well as replacing Deller as the sport's youngest world champion, aged 21.
But Shepherd will knock a month off the Dutchman's record if he triumphs at Alexandra Palace tomorrow night.
Whatever happens, the man nicknamed 'The Karate Kid' is guaranteed a £50,000 windfall and a place in the PDC's top 32.
"I know I'm in the Grand Slam of Darts," Shepherd said. "The £50,000 means a lot to me and it could change my life for the better."
Victory would earn him double that amount and - more importantly - ensure him legendary status.
Shepherd added: "When I came here, I knew if I played the darts I could I would go far, but I never dreamed of reaching the World Championship final.
"I'm there and I really do think I can win this now. I won't fear John - he has got to beat me."
History
But Canadian Part is on the verge of making a piece of history of his own on New Year's Day.
Only three men have won either version of the world title more than twice: Taylor, five-time winner Bristow, and three-time champion John Lowe.
Victory will see 41-year-old Part - who won the BDO title in 1994 and edged out Taylor in a classic 2003 final - join them.
Having seen off the two form players of the week - James Wade and Kevin Painter - in his last two matches, he goes into the match a strong favourite.
Part revealed his exertions have take their toll and was grateful for a day off today.
He said: "I played Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Sunday night so I'll enjoy having a day off!"
He added: "There's an even bigger step for me on New Year's Day, if I can take it.
"Just to be in the final is fantastic, and to be in position to close out another title is really exciting."
