WES NEWTON is hoping to continue his improvement when he meets Robert Thornton in the third round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship after the Christmas break.
The number eight seed has defeated Ting Chi Royden Lam and John Part to progress into the last 16 at Alexandra Palace with a pair of impressive displays, which included a straight sets win over the three-time World Champion.
Newton will meet former UK Open champion Thornton in the third round on Friday night as the tournament resumes following the Christmas break, and is in confident mood.
"I've had two solid performances and I'm getting better with each round," said Newton, a two-time major finalist. "I've got a good chance - as much chance as anyone else.
"Robert's a world class player, he's won major tournaments in the BDO and the PDC and it's the number eight and nine against each other.
"It's going to be a really tough game and I've got to bring my A-game, because if you don't turn up against that class of player then there's only going to be one result.
"But I'm happy, I'm improving and I'm still in the tournament, so I can have a good Christmas now and come back and try and improve again.
"It's a good chance for every player left in the tournament, but I'm not putting too much pressure on myself. I've just got to keep progressing and there's a lot of hard work to do.
"I want to win a major and I think that's the next step for me. I don't mind which one it is, but there's no better one to win than this one - it's the pinnacle of our year."
Newton is also looking to progress to prove a point to the Sky Sports pundits who the Fleetwood ace believes have overlooked his chances of progressing through the tournament despite reigning champion Phil Taylor's exit last Friday.
"I've been watching the tournament and there's a lot of talk about the top half and who's got chances, and I feel like I've been totally overlooked," he said.
"It's probably not meant the way it came across but it did annoy me and I wanted to prove a point against John Part.
"I'm the number eight world, I'm not an idiot off the street and, as far as I'm concerned, I'm in with as much chance as anyone. To be number eight in the world and overlooked like that is a bit annoying to be honest.
"I've not had a mention, but that might be a good thing in a way because I'll come under the radar and keep going."
With Newton having recently helped to deliver his second son Zac after partner Stacey gave birth at home, he is now preparing for a family Christmas before returning to Alexandra Palace.
"It's going to be a magical Christmas this year because we've got our second son Zac, and Fraser's a bit older and knows what's going on, so I'm really looking forward to it," said Newton.
"I can be happy because I'm still in the World Championship, so I'm going to really enjoy this Christmas. I'll put the practice in and keep the focus but it's all good."
Wes Newton Video Interview