DARYL GURNEY is looking to learn from the experience of reaching the U.S. Darts Masters final on his World Series of Darts debut in Las Vegas.
The Northern Irish ace was handed his first taste of World Series action last week as the PDC returned to Las Vegas, and took the chance with both hands by winning through to the final.
Following a first round win over American Dennis Sayre, Gurney enjoyed superb wins over the players ranked third and second in the world - Peter Wright and Gary Anderson - to reach the final against Michael van Gerwen.
He pushed the World Champion all the way, leading 5-3 before a Van Gerwen surge saw the Dutchman claim an 8-6 triumph and deny Gurney glory.
While Gurney was delighted to reach the final, he admitted: "It looks that way, but I'm always hard on myself. I wish I could cross the finish line and beat Michael.
"I've always threatened to do it, I've got to a couple of finals now and he seems to pull that extra wee bit out that's needed.
"I'm happy to beat Peter and Gary Anderson, but I when I got to the final I really wanted to give Michael a good game.
"I've got the game to beat them, it's just sometimes I let my nerves get in the way. I'm trying to get more confident under pressure, especially against the best players in the world."
Gurney's use of Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" for walk-ons proved hugely popular with the sell-out crowd at the Tropicana Las Vegas, and he is now hoping to push himself forward for further big-stage inclusion in the future.
"It's been brilliant," he added. "I really can't put it into words, I've enjoyed every minute. The crowd has been fabulous at the walk-ons.
"Hopefully I can get another invite to somewhere else."