DENNIS Smith has his sights set firmly on a place in the World Championship as he returns to the PDC circuit after the summer break.

The Players Championship resumes this weekend in Barnsley after more than a two month absence, with Smith needing a good display today and tomorrow to push himself up the order of merit.

The Swindon pro currently sits 40th in the PDC ProTour Order of Merit, and believes he needs to produce his best if he is going to stay inside the top 48 and earn himself a place at Alexandra Palace in December.

“It has been good to have a bit of a break, but I am looking forward to getting out and playing some darts now,” he said.

“I am well rested and relaxed, but I am feeling good and I am confident I can go in there and do well.

“Over the break I have done plenty of good exhibitions and also had a week in Spain to recuperate, but since then I have been practicing hard in preparation for this.

“My main aim now has to be the World Championship at the end of the year, and if I can keep hold of where I am at the moment I will be in with a good chance.”

Smith has been a mainstay of the World Championship as darts has continued to grow as a sport, and would be honoured to be involved in the event for the 16th time in his distinguished career.

“It is such a good event, and if you ask any darts player which event they really want to play in every year it would be the World Championship,” he said.

“It would mean everything to me to be there again, and if I could get in I would see it as a major achievement.

“It is the last tournament of the year, and getting there shows that you have played well in the year leading up to it, which I think I have.”

Johnny Haines and Chris Aubrey will also be representing Swindon in Yorkshire, and the pair will be look for some good prize money to move themelves up the table.