TV debut will be an ordeal admits Heydon

Heydon will meet the 43-year-old on Sunday December 19 at the Alexandra Palace in London.

Thornton dropped out of the world’s top 16 earlier this year but has recovered his form recently with a strong showing in the Grand Slam of Darts and a run to the quarter-finals of Saturday’s penultimate Players Championship in Derby.

However, Hey-don, who qualified for the £1 million event on the back of a 36th-placed finish in the Players Championship Order of Merit, believes the draw is a favourable one.

“It’s spot on to be honest, I’m very happy with it,” he said.

“I’ve beaten Robert this year and I’ve had a look at the draw and it could be Andy Hamilton in the next round.

“The good thing is I wouldn’t meet Phil Taylor until the semis.”

Heydon has enjoyed a promising first year in the pro ranks, getting to the last 16 of the UK Open at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton and rising to 58 in the world rankings.

However, the Lillington thrower says there is still room for improvement, blaming his inconsistency on a lack of big-match experience.

“It’s not been too bad. I could have done better and I’ve let myself down a few times, missing doubles at crucial times, but that will come with experience.

“I’ve tidied my game up and I’m scoring well. I’ve changed the stem and my darts are more balanced and are going in straighter.”

In addition to making his first-ever main stage appearance at the ‘Ally Pally’, Heydon will have the added pressure of having the Sky Sports cameras following his every move.

The experience is one he is ill-prepared for, with his last-16 exit in the UK Open the nearest he has come to facing a live TV audience.

“It’s good that I’m level-headed,” said Heydon, who is hoping for PDC approval to come out in his full ‘The Undertaker’ regalia.

“It would have been nice to make a couple of main stages, though, just to set me up for the worlds.”

“To go from being a pub player to the main stage in the World Championships will be a bit of an ordeal.

“But that was my aim at the start of the season.”

Wellesbourne’s Steve Beaton, who is seeded 24, will kick off his World Championship challenge with a first-round clash against Mark Hylton.

n For a donation to the Tuberous Sclerosis charity, Heydon will be taking on allcomers at the Christmas Fair at St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Lillington, tomorrow (1pm to 4pm).