“Being back in Exeter brings back some nostalgic vibes for me,” he told the PDC. “This is where I first began my journey of playing in big TV tournaments, so this is a venue that holds a place close to my heart. Little did I know that four years later I’d be playing in the Premier League as the World Champion!

“My performances have been good so far. If you’re averaging over a ton you’re at a decent level. I’ve been getting into winning positions and not really getting over the line. I haven’t been as clinical as I was at the back end of last year, but that’s the only real difference.

“My performances have been as consistent as they can be really, and if I keep playing that way, the results and the nightly wins will come. I’ve just got to keep the faith and keep working hard.”