WELLINGTON Darts League pro Ryan Searle plays the second big tournament of his career when he competes in the UK Open at Butlin’s, Minehead, which starts on Friday, writes Barry Knott.

Described as the FA Cup of darts, the tournament has attracted all the big names including Michael van Gerwen who is favourite to take the title.

As a world top 64 player, Searle has a bye in the opening two rounds and is guaranteed £2,000 before he throws a dart.

“I’m feeling confident and looking to do some damage,” said Searle who plays for HTA in the local league.

Searle hit the headlines in December when he reached the last 16 of the 2019 PDC World Darts Championship before losing to eventual finalist Michael Smith, of St Helens. Smith was the 2013 PDC Under 21 World champion and has won six titles on the Pro Tour.

Earlier in the tournament Searle caused a shock when he beat Austrian ace Mensur Suljovic, the world number seven, 3-1 in the second round after losing the first set.

For reaching the last 16 Searle won £34,000 in prizemoney.