PAUL NICHOLSON has revealed the secret of his impressive finishing at the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship - Frustration!
Nicholson produced arguably his best televised display since winning January's Players Championship Finals when he defeated Steve Farmer in straight sets in the first round at Alexandra Palace last week.
He hit nine doubles from 11 attempts in the victory, which was sealed with a 140 finish as he set up a second round clash with Peter Wright on Monday.
Nicholson has now revealed that a practice game called 'Frustration' - where he throws two darts at the treble 20 and the last at a double, working from double one up to the bull - was behind his impressive form.
"If you hit finishes like that in your first game it's going to have some sort of knock-on effect," said Nicholson. "Now, if I get a chance, I know I can take it.
"I've been playing a practice game called 'Frustration', which Justin Pipe has taught me, and it sharpens up your game for having one dart at a double.
"It really does work and you have to have that mentality because you may not get another chance."
Nicholson had played in the event's opening game on December 16, but had a ten-day break before returning to London ahead of Monday's meeting with Wright.
"I've opened a tournament once before, at the 2009 World Grand Prix, and I was very nervous," he added. "I had an edgy start against Steve but settled quicker.
"It was about getting through the first round and getting through Christmas, and there were a lot of positives to take from it.
"I've got to brush up on my scoring but if I can get that right, you can watch out!"
Nicholson's clash with Wright - whose partner Jo has been Nicholson's hair stylist recently! - will follow the opening game of the second round as Ronnie Baxter takes on Mark Webster, who was one of the most impressive performers in round one.
"I'm playing the best darts of my life and I'm confident," said Webster, who dropped only two legs in seeing off Steve Maish in the first round.
"I'm here to win the competition and I aim to play better in the second round. I've got some tough games ahead of me, I know that, but you've got to beat these players if you want to be a World Champion, and that's what I am to do again."
The afternoon session will be rounded off by Andy Hamilton's meeting with Robert Thornton, with Colin Lloyd up against Mark Hylton in the evening session's opener.
Adrian Lewis then takes on Mark Dudbridge, before reigning champion Phil Taylor returns to the stage to on Denmark's Per Laursen.
Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship
Second Round
Monday December 27
1pm
Ronnie Baxter v Mark Webster
Paul Nicholson v Peter Wright
Andy Hamilton v Robert Thornton
7pm
Colin Lloyd v Mark Hylton
Adrian Lewis v Mark Dudbridge
Phil Taylor v Per Laursen