ANTHONY FLEET is raring to go ahead of his Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship debut next week.

The Australian Grand Prix champion, from Canberra, got his first glimpse of the Circus Tavern this week when he joined fellow qualifier Mitchell Clegg at Purfleet.

Fleet got his hands on the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship trophy at the Circus Tavern, and is eagerly anticipating his debut.

"It's an interesting venue," said Fleet. "It will look a little different on TV, but I am looking forward to it and can't wait to get going."

Fleet will face number five seed Adrian Lewis in the first round on Tuesday night.

"They tell me he's good but we'll see how things go," "I'm under no illusions but I've played with some pretty good players.

"I've had the privilege of playing Raymond van Barneveld three or four times at the World Cup, which was good experience.

"Unless you're coming in with a 30-plus average, you're going to get shown up pretty quickly. I'm just chomping at the bit to get into it."

Fleet booked his place at the World Championship as the AGP Champion, with a victory in the final event of the year at Prospect finally seeing off the challenge of Barry Jouannet.

"I was rather fortunate to come out with the win," he said. "Barry Jouannet, who has qualified twice before, went toe-to-toe with me for most of the year.

"We got down to the last event and met in the semi-final, so when I won it was all done and dusted.

"After 15 events, there were about six ranking points between the two of us so I'm pretty happy.

"That particular day in Prospect was something special. It sits in your memory and you draw on it - I will do here!"

Fleet landed in the UK last Monday alongside teenage star Clegg, and has spent the week in Kent acclimatising to the British winter.

Fleet and PDC star Lionel Sams have joined Clegg, the 16-year-old Oceanic Masters champion, in lengthy practise sessions at their Isle of Sheppey base.

He is tipping the youngster to give second favourite Raymond van Barneveld a run for his money in their first round clash.

"He's played a few events this year and I tell you, for a kid you have to watch out for him!" added Fleet.

"You don't know what you're in for!

"He is pretty good, pretty hot. He's got to get in there, do the best he can and hope that Barney's not quite on his game."

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