ADRIAN LEWIS is confident he is heading in the right direction ahead of his second round clash with James Wilson at the Unibet World Grand Prix in Dublin.
The two-time World Champion plummeted down the rankings at the start of the year and found himself outside the top 16 for the first time in over ten years.
Lewis has worked hard throughout the year to force his way back into the top 16, and the former World Graand Prix runner-up is excited by the challenge of reaching the height of the sport once again.
"I got to the top of the mountain, fell down and now I'm on my way back," said Lewis.
"My ambition is to work my way back into the top four which is where I feel I belong.
"I'm just taking little steps at the minute, I'm not at 100% but I'm playing a solid game. I've been making the latter stages of every tournament which has been pleasing.
"I've knuckled down and played a lot more tournaments this year than I have done in previous years and I'm enjoying the benfits of that now."
Lewis will take on James Wilson in the final game of the evening in a replay of their World Matchplay first round clash in July which Lewis came through 10-8.
"Winning a tough game against Michael Smith has given me confidence for the rest of the tournament.
"James is a great player, he's very underestimated and he's capable of doing damage.
"He's a big scorer and a heavy-hitter, if he starts getting off with his first dart then he will be a dangerous opponent.
"I'm still trying to decide which double to start on because on the one hand I want the nine-darter but on the other hand it's more important to win the game."
The Unibet World Grand Prix continues on Wednesday with four second round games, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and worldwide through the PDC's series of international broadcast partners, as well as at PDCTV-HD for Rest of the World Subscribers.
Wednesday October 3 (7pm)
Second Round
Mensur Suljovic v Ian White
Steve Beaton v Gerwyn Price
Peter Wright v Jermaine Wattimena
James Wilson v Adrian Lewis
Thursday October 4 (7pm)
Quarter-Finals (order of play TBC)
Michael van Gerwen v Dave Chisnall
Daryl Gurney v Gary Anderson
Wright/Wattimena v Wilson/Lewis
Suljovic/White v Beaton/Price