LANCASTRIAN Chris McTernan is looking to upset the odds when he meets Michael van Gerwen in the Blue Square UK Open on Thursday night.
The 37-year-old from Bacup is one of the 32 Punch Taverns pub qualifiers who join the top professional stars in the UK Open finals at Bolton.
He has been drawn against teenage sensation van Gerwen in the first round, with the Dutch youngster entering the tournament as third favourite with the sponsors.
Van Gerwen in 1/14 to win their best-of-15-leg opener, with McTernan rated as a 13/2 shot for the win.
"I've seen Michael in action many times on the circuit and he's a great player but I've just got to play my own game," said McTernan.
"It's definitely the biggest game of my career but I'm excited, not worried.
"I may be a bit jittery at first in front of the TV cameras but I'll be ok. I'm going to have plenty of supporters coming to watch me and it's a big occasion."
McTernan has previous experience of the Reebok Stadium arena, having qualified for the first ever UK Open in 2003, losing 5-4 to Paul Whitworth in the first round.
"I've played in Bolton before and am in decent form at the moment," he added. "I've had some good runs in tournaments this year and I'm confident."
Van Gerwen only reached the last 64 once in qualifying for the UK Open as his learning curve on the PDC Pro Tour began.
"I'm looking forward to the UK Open," said the 18-year-old. "On stage I'm probably a harder player to beat and it's better playing on stage in front of more people and the TV.
"Not only that, but it's a longer game on Thursday, best of 15 legs a normally I am better in them than short games.
"You never know what is going to happen. I don't know Chris but it doesn't matter who your opponent is in this event, you have to beat everyone - Raymond van Barneveld, Phil Taylor and the pub qualifiers who play for fun."
Tickets to see that contest on Thursday and also Friday's Second and Third Rounds are still available from the Reebok Stadium on 0871 871 2932, costing just £10 per night.