Wayne Jones calm for Dave Chisnall test
Wolverhampton's Wayne Jones will play with freedom against No 1 seed Dave Chisnall after making the ITV4 televised PDC Players Championship finals.
Jones and 'Chizzy' open the first round's evening session tomorrow night after 'the Wanderer' made a late dash to qualify in the non-televised 'floor' events.
The Wednesfield darter reached the third round of both events at the Barnsley Metrodome last weekend to finish 32nd - the last open spot - in the PDC Pro Tour Order of Merit.
However, that also pits him against the top-ranked player in his opener but Jones holds two victories over his opponent in the competition, with Chisnall winning once.
And Jones believes he will spring a shock if he can get the first legs on the board at Butlins in Minehead tomorrow night.
He said: "I am going into this tournament with no pressure whatsoever, he's No 1 and I am 32 so, on paper, I am not expected to do it.
"But I have beaten him twice this year and, if I can get in front of him, I think I will beat him, but chasing him is a difficult task.
"He's a massive 180 hitter, I have never seen anybody score as many maximums as he does, he's an under-rated player."
Jones also has next month's World Championship in mind and will avoid playing a seed in the first round if he can stay in the top 32.
As it stands, the 47-year-old would play Phil Taylor in the second round, but Jones beat the world No 1 in the Dutch Masters last month.
Should Jones climb further up the rankings this weekend, No 2 Adrian Lewis and third-placed James Wade come into sight with each place he climbs.
The PDC's last televised tournament, Jones' homecoming at Wolverhampton Civic Hall, saw him tumble out of the Grand Slam in the group stages.
He said: "I was disappointed with the Grand Slam, because I went into that playing better than any other time I have been in it.
"It would have been nice to do something but all I can do is look forward and this is a chance to come back up the rankings.
"This is my first chance to do it in a proper tournament like this and, if I can get through a couple of rounds, I will be flying.
"It's a busy period for me and it's one step at a time. Hopefully, it's onwards and upwards from here."
