Colin Osborne is hoping for a quick return to form in Blackpool after a disappointing trip to Las Vegas.
Osbrone hoping to get back on track at World Matchplay
Colin Osborne is hoping for a quick return to form after a disappointing trip to Las Vegas when he lines up in the World Matchplay in Blackpool.
Darts' annual trip to the seaside is seen by many as a second only to the World Championships, with the World Matchplay held in the highest regard by all the top players.
The action starts on Sunday, live on
Sky Sports 1 from 7pm, and all of the action from the Winter Gardens will be screened live throughout the week.
Derby thrower Osborne takes on former world champion Steve Beaton on Monday night in the first round, and he hopes to perform much better than out in Las Vegas.
After making his first major final at the UK Open in Bolton in June, Osborne followed up with a first round exit at the Desert Classic against Co Stompe, and he was bitterly disappointed with his efforts.
Home soil
Now back on home soil, Osborne hopes to turn his fortunes around and get back into winning ways against Beaton in Blackpool.
"That was only the second time I've played in the Desert Classic and I don't seem to play well there," said the 34-year-old.
"I don't know if it's the heat, or the place you're in, but there is a fine line because you treat it as a bit of a holiday for a few days and then have to get your business head on and start playing darts.
"It was a bad day at the office and there's nothing more I can say about that. The good thing with me is that once it's gone then I won't dwell on it.
"The important thing for me now is not the World Matchplay tournament but my next game, which is against Steve Beaton.
"All I have focused on is Steve, nothing else matters. If I manage to beat him then I'll focus on the next game, and hopefully the next game after that!"
