PAT ORREAL is to leave Australia next week to join the Professional Darts Corporation circuit full-time.
The former Australian Army Commander was a huge hit at the PartyBets.com Grand Slam of Darts last November, winning a place in the second round thanks to a stunning comeback against Phill Nixon in the final group game.
He also pushed Jelle Klaasen all the way in Wolverhampton, and returned home with ambitions of success on the professional circuit in his head.
Orreal is being sponsored by McGhees Irish Bar in Wolverhampton after using the pub as his practice venue during the Grand Slam of Darts, and will also be aided by darts fans Vicki Cutler and Sally Newnes.
The Queenslander will play his first tournaments in Brentwood on 1 and 2 March, competing in a Players Championship and the Blue Square UK Open Southern Regional Final.
His initial goal is to qualify for the UK Open Finals in Bolton in June, and also to win a place in the 2009 Ladbrokes.com PDC World Darts Championship.
"I'm very excited and very realistic about my goals," said Orreal, nicknamed "Choppa".
"My real hope is to crack the world's top 32 by the end of the year to gain a World Championship berth - but I wont be too disappointed should I miss out as there are other ways for me to qualify.
"I'm planning to return to Australia for some events on the AGP circuit too, and it will be a great experience for me."
PDC Chairman Barry Hearn said: "I'm delighted to see Pat moving onto the PDC circuit and we wish him every success this year.
"I know he loved his time at the Grand Slam of Darts, and that obviously lit the fire of ambition in his belly that has led to this move!
"As with all Australian sportsmen, I know he will be a great competitor and I'm sure he will enjoy competing amongst the best players in the world week-in and week-out."