PAUL NICHOLSON is hoping to use his return to Australia as the chance to kick-start his career.
The 34-year-old crashed out of the Blackpool tournament in the first round with a narrow 10-8 loss to Chisnall - throwing away leads of 4-1 and 8-7 as he exited the Winter Gardens event.
The Geordie, who first emerged in 2008 as the Australian number one whilst based in Melbourne, was left in tears as he exited the Blackpool stage and was distraught at seeing his hopes of winning a second major title dashed.
However, he is determined to turn the disappointment into a positive as he prepares to return to Australia for his next competitive outing at the Sydney Darts Masters, which begins on August 29 at Luna Park.
"For me, the World Matchplay was probably something I'll look back on as the starting point for the next phase of my career," said Nicholson. "Coming back to Australia has come at the right time for me because I need to go back to basics.
"At the start of the game with Dave I felt okay, but I felt there wasn't something right. This year has been a real struggle. I'm trying to battle my way through games and against Dave it was too much.
"I was in a war, and at certain points in the game I snapped. I didn't have the strength and I just snapped. It was the hardest game I've ever had and it took me to a place that I didn't want people to see.
"I've been a professional now for five years and I've got to realise that there are going to be wars like that where I'm going to have to dig deep. I dug as deep as I could and it wasn't good enough, and I think what tipped me over the edge was that I didn't have enough to get me through it."
Nicholson will be taking part in an exhibition with Simon Whitlock in Melbourne, his former home town, before travelling to Sydney, and is determined to perform well for the packed Australian crowd at Luna Park.
"I've won the Australian Open Players Championship there before, which is the biggest tournament they've had so far, and done very well in a lot of events, so to be a part of this event is a great honour for me," he adds.
"It will be a great spectacle, and the World Series itself is a great idea.
"I'm extremely proud to be up on that stage and I'll get up there and enjoy myself, and I really can't wait."
Sydney Darts Masters tickets are still available for the opening night on Thursday August 29, which will feature the eight First Round games. Tickets cost $60 for Floor Seating and $40 for Tiered Seating.
Tickets are available online through www.bigtopsydney.com or by Telephone on 1300 BIG TOP.