BDO world number one Robert Thornton has confirmed that he will be joining the PDC.
Scottish thrower keen to test himself against the best in PDC.
BDO world number one Robert Thornton has confirmed that he will be joining the PDC and the PDPA.
The Scottish thrower has already won a place at the PDC's UK Open next month after coming through the Holsten Qualifiers recently.
And Thornton will face a tricky opener as he faces Russia's World Ladies Champion Anastasia Dobromyslova at the UK Open, live on
Sky Sports.
Thornton will join the PDC full-time in Junes and will follow the UK Open with a bid to qualify for the World Matchplay in Blackpool with two appearances in Bristol before heading to the Las Vegas Desert Classic qualifiers.
Ayrshire man Thornton is ranked number one in the BDO and number three in the WDF and the 2007 World Masters winner has now decided to test himself in the PDC.
Change
"I'm excited about coming across to the PDC," said Thornton.
"I'd reached number one in the BDO but I sat down with my wife and discussed it and thought it was time for a change.
"It was a big decision for me, but I'm looking forward to my career in the PDC now.
"I know quite a lot of players already and I've got on well with James Wade when we've done some exhibitions together this year, so it won't be too hard to settle in."
"My aim is initially to enjoy the Blue Square UK Open in Bolton and then break into the top 16 on the PDC Order of Merit.
"I'll be trying my hardest to qualify for every major tournament from now on, and if I can play my best darts I should hopefully be able to do that."
Test
Thornton will now be trying to test himself against the likes of Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld after the switch.
He has already had a taste of that action after competing in last November's Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton courtesy of his World Masters win.
PDC Chairman Barry Hearn welcomed another new addition to the PDC ranks.
"We welcome all quality players to the PDC and I applaud Robert's ambition to play amongst the sport's elite players for millions of pounds in prize money," said Hearn.
"I wish him the best of luck and he has already made clear his ambitions to be successful at the highest level of darts.
"He has done superbly well to become the number one in the BDO system and it's exciting to see him accept the challenge of starting afresh on the PDC Pro Tour."
