Paul Nicholson has insisted that he needs to find top form to beat Robert Thornton in his next match at the World Darts Championship.
The 'Asset' qualified for the last 32 with a comfortable 3-0 win over Co Stompe on Friday night to set up a clash with the in-form Thornton.
Nicholson admitted that he has struggled for spells this season but believes that at his best he is a match for any other player in the field.
He told Sky Sports News: "My form hasn't been great this year, but I've worked probably harder than ever the last three months.
"I'm only 33 and I'm starting to believe every season is different. I've had my highs and lows, now I've got to grind and find out how good I really am. At the moment, I'm not as good as I thought I was, so I've got re-discover who I was in 2009 when I came here.
"Robert is a great guy and has a huge heart. If I'm going to beat him next Friday I'm going to have to lift my game, because if I don't I'm going to be smoked."
Adrian Lewis and Kevin Painter also made it past the first round on the opening night of the season-ending showpiece event at Alexandra Palace.
Liam Power
