KYLE ANDERSON is hoping to continue his emergence when he makes his debut on the PDC's European Tour in Sindelfingen this weekend.
The Australian star reached his first televised semi-final as he won through to the last four in the TAB.com.au Sydney Darts Masters last weekend - knocking out Raymond van Barneveld and Simon Whitlock along the way.
Although he was defeated by eventual champion Phil Taylor in the semi-finals, despite hitting a 167 checkout, Anderson was pleased to enjoy big-stage wins over two of the sport's biggest names.
Having moved to the UK in January after winning a PDC Tour Card, Anderson has qualified for his European Tour debut in this weekend's European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen.
"Playing well in Sydney has given me the inspiration to go back to the Europe and compete for the rest of the year," said Anderson, the 2013 domestic Australian number one who also hit a nine-darter in the World Championship in December.
"I'll be in Germany next weekend and I want to keep this going. The fans were great and they gave me such a buzz.
"Before I came out I could hear the crowd singing my name and that's amazing for me. Coming in as the underdog gave them someone to follow, and I loved it.
"I wasn't in awe of Phil but he was just too good. Phil's the best player ever and he was on fire, but as the game wore on and I got more comfortable, Phil found ways of making me uncomfortable again!
"I'm not really disappointed because you know if you're not on your game against Phil that he'll punish you."
Anderson had also been defeated by Taylor in the first round of the 2013 Sydney Darts Masters, but the 16-time World Champion admitted that he has been impressed by the Australian's progress over the past 12 months.
"Kyle is reaching the heights now and he's realising what it's like to be a pro, but I think he's got to move on from that now," said Taylor.
"He's stepped up to the mark and now he's got to move up another level, which I think he can do. I've watched him in the practice room and he does everything right, and I think he's one to watch in the future."