Jenkins Seeking Purfleet Best

ANDY JENKINS is looking to make his own piece of history on Wednesday, when he meets Andy Smith in the second round of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.

The world number 12 overcame America's Bill Davis in round one last week to book his place in the last 32.

He will face Andy Smith in Wednesday's second round contest, and is looking to reach the last 16 for the first time in his career.

Listen to the full Andy Jenkins interview in DartsTV

"This is the worst tournament I've ever played in - I've never got past the second round," said Jenkins.

"But hopefully I can produce the goods to go further.

"I was thankful I went 2-0 up but Bill's a very good darts player and he came back.

"I had to dig deep and I'm grateful I got through."

The World Championship is the first tournament Jenkins has competed in since the sudden death of his father Chris, and he admits he has added motivation to succeed.

"It's still emotional now," he said.

"I wish he was here. I expect him to be there but I've got to move on.

"Everyone sits back and thinks it won't happen to them, but it does and it is hurtful."

Jenkins is also a passionate supporter of Barclays Premiership high-fliers Portsmouth, and their 3-1 win over Sheffield United on Saturday was an added Christmas present.

"Pompey are doing absolutely brilliantly," he said. "I saw a few of the boys before my first game and Mark Chamberlain, who used to play for Portsmouth, is a good friend of mine and we had a round of golf last week.

"It's good for the town - we just need a bigger stadium now!"