Brendan Dolan has admitted that he is delighted with his form since missing out on competing in the inaugural Masters event 12 months ago.
The Northern Irishman slipped out of a qualification spot shortly before the tournament, but five victories in PDC floor events have catapulted the 2011 World Grand Prix runner-up back up to number 12 in the world rankings to earn a place in Scotland this time around.
The 41-year-old is quoted by PDC.TV as saying: "It's been a major turnaround for me in the last 12 months. It's an adrenaline rush to think that I'm one of the elite players in this event.
"I've had a great year, and to go from not being in The Masters and winning my first event to winning four more events since then to establish myself back in the top 16 is brilliant.
"To be mixing with all these top-class players in such a big event is an honour. I've been doing it on the circuit for the last few years anyway, but when you pick out the top-16 players in the world and you're one of them, it's a joy and a thrill."
Dolan will face James Wade in the opening round of the 16-man competition which gets underway in Edinburgh on Saturday.
Darren Plant
