Wayne Jones hopes Christian Kist "bottles it"

Wolverhampton's Wayne Jones hopes world champion Christian Kist "bottles it" in front of his home crowd at the Grand Slam of Darts.

Jones tackles the Dutchman, who came out of nowhere through a qualifier to win the BDO world title this year, in their opening Group H match on Sunday afternoon.

And 'the Wanderer' is hoping to 'Kist' goodbye to his opponent's challenge and start his tournament on the right note, in what will be a noisy Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

The Wednesfield darter sees Kist as, on paper, his easiest game in the group as he, Raymond van Barneveld and Mark Walsh are all former Grand Slam semi-finalists.

Jones said: "Kist was the seed I wanted, I don't know the bloke but I am hoping that all of the crowd gets on his back and he bottles it.

"I hope he thoroughly hates it! And I have got to win the first game because, in my personal opinion, I think it's my easiest.

"With 'Barney,' it just depends. If he's on fire, he will take some stopping but, if I can get in front of him, I could beat him.

"Mark will be the tough one, I think, he's a good, solid player. He's very reliable, so it's best to plod along with him and not miss."

If he gets past the group stages, Jones will meet either Terry Jenkins, Wes Newton, Wesley Harms or Martin Phillips in the first knockout stages.

Group H merges into G next Friday night and could pit Jones against Jenkins, with 'the Bull' ending his Grand Slam challenge at the same stage last year.

But Jones is just concentrating on winning his first three games, although he does fancy his chances more over the longer distances.

He said: "I am going to go in with a good sense of playing well and my first aim is to get through the group, I would be delighted with that.

"Then it becomes best of 19 legs, as well, and I can't win at that it's my own fault. But I am usually better over the longer distances."

Jones' year is finally starting to look up with his first televised appearance since the UK Open in June and some good results in the 'floor' events.

The 47-year-old beat Phil Taylor at the 15th time of asking on the PDC Pro Tour in Holland last month, in a much-needed run to the semi-finals.

That has put him to within touching distance of the Players Championship finals in December, when the World Championships will also begin.

He said: "It's been a disastrous year but things are starting to look up, I am still in the top 32 and I am playing well again.

"This could be a nice little catalyst for me and a nice little bonus, the money goes in the pot ready for next year.

"I am sitting on the verge of the Players Championships finals now, as well, from having nothing to think about.

"I have got lots more hopes and intentions for next year, the motivation is there and my form is not too bad."

Tickets for the Grand Slam of Darts, again sponsored by William Hill, are still available by calling 0870 320 7000.

Alternatively you can buy tickets online www.wolvescivic.co.uk or by visiting the Civic Box Office in Queen Square.