NO PANE NO GAIN

that. Next year, what is to say that I couldn’t go on and put a deposit down for a house?

“It has changed my life that much. That is the message for all young players if you put the hard work in.”

Searle only started playing darts at 21 and this debut at the world championship is fast becoming a dream.

It is his second year on the tour and he said: “At the beginning of my first year, I was doing all right. I missed out on the worlds by £2,500 in the end.

“I missed the whole pro tour and two euro tours because I went to my girlfriend’s sister’s wedding and I missed out by £2,500. I gave it to her in the neck over that because you do not know what could have happened.”

Searle gave up washing window panes when he started on the tour but his distinctive looks go back to his youth.

Skateboard

have a good sponsor who have helped me out a lot.

“If it was not for them in the first year, I would not be here now.”

Searle is in the bottom half of the draw, which means, if he progresses through two more games, he could face defending world champion Rob Cross in the quarter-finals.

Cross sensationally lifted the trophy in his debut year after beating Phil Taylor in the final and Searle said: “Rob last year was unbelievable. I do not think anyone will ever do that again, win their Tour card and then win the worlds.”