CLIFF LAZARENKO is looking to win a place at a 24th World Championship when he travels to Hull for the PDPA Qualifiers this weekend.
Lazarenko last played in the Ladbrokes.com World Championship two years ago, when he lost 3-2 in the second round to Steve Maish.
The 53-year-old has been drawn on board seven for the PDPA Qualifiers at the New Walton Club, where he will face Chris Hook in his first game.
While only Lazarenko and Wayne Jones have experience on the big stage from their group, the veteran performer is taking nothing for granted.
"I'm excited about it, really looking forward to it," he said.
"Last year was my first qualifier for the World Championship, and I've played a couple of times in the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix qualifiers.
"You've got to go there focused and do the best you can. If you don't turn up in the right frame of mind, you're going to go out early, it's as simple as that.
"Although there are 16 places to be had, there are 160-odd players who want those spots.
"I've always taken darts the way it should be played I think; I just get on with it and don't worry about the draw. You have to get up there and go for it, and hope that the rub of the green goes with you some days.
"I shan't lose sleep over it until I get there, and when I get to Hull it's a different ball game.
"I try not to build up for it too early, sometimes you can push yourself over the top because you want it so much.
"I'll probably start thinking about it on Friday night on the way up, and hopefully I'll be in the right frame of mind on Saturday morning."
While he has not picked up silverware in recent times, Lazarenko is in positive mood ahead of the qualifiers.
"I've been quite pleased with my form recently," he added. "To be honest, as you get older it's not always about playing well, your concentration disappears now and again.
"But look at Bob Anderson, he has regenerated himself in the last five years and has done marvellously.
"John Lowe, just because he's hit 60, isn't going to think differently about qualifying, he'll go there and play the way he should play.
"The main focus is to get through and you've got to knuckle down because playing on the floor is the toughest place of all, especially when you are used to playing on stage.
"Playing on the floor to get onto the stage is the hardest thing of all, because there are so many great 'floor players', but they are not used to playing on the stage."
'Big Cliff' remains one of darts' most popular players, and would love nothing more than to return to the Circus Tavern later this month.
"I love the big events and I feel that I still have a lot to give," he says.
"When you don't make the World Championship it does kick you in the teeth but you have to stand up again and get on with it.
"The first prize on Saturday is getting a place back on the main stage at Purfleet, and you take it from there."
Click here for Board Assignments for the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship PDPA Qualifiers
Please note that the draw for the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship will be made at 5.30pm on Monday 5 December, live on Sky Sports News