By Luke Cawdell

Ross Smith has vowed to turn himself from an also-ran into a winner after his moment in the limelight at the BDO World Darts Championships.

Smith, pictured, was knocked out at the first round stage in 2009 and entered the tournament as a virtual unknown, but made it through to a quarter-final clash with BDO World No.1 Martin Adams.

Adams won 5-1 but for Chatham resident Smith, who pocketed £6,000 in prize money, it was a moment to savour.

He said: "To have played well and got to the quarter-finals meant everything to me. It was a dream come true. I played some good players and to have met Adams in the quarter-finals was all good experience.

"Next year I’m not going to be in it to make up the numbers, I’ll be looking to win it. I don’t want to just make the quarter-finals and the last 16. I want to go all the way in competitions now."

Smith was back practising at Rileys in Gillingham this week as he prepares for the Dutch Open.

He said: "I’ve a long month ahead with a lot of practice. I’m getting ready for the rest of the season and hopefully I can continue this form."

Picture: British Darts Organisation