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In a rollercoaster 12 months, Lewis has shot to prominence with a string of classy displays but he is chasing down the big prize at the Budweiser UK Open Final in Bolton. The Unicorn Contender wants to graduate to the next level by winning a major TV tournament in 2006.

Lewis had his first taste of a major final last month, when he was beaten 13 legs to 5 by his mentor and Unicorn stablemate Phil Taylor in the final of the World Series of Darts in Connecticut. “It was a great experience,” he said. “But I don’t like losing to anyone. I think maybe the occasion got to me but it has given me a taste and hunger for more.”

His consolation was a cheque for $48,000 and now he has switched his sights to hitting the jackpot at The Reebok Stadium and a first prize of £30,000.

“Phil and I have been practicing twice a day for a while now, because he was preparing for the Premier League and we are both focused and looking forward to this event.”

There are great expectations of Lewis after his run to the quarter-final of the World Championship. He was beaten by Unicorn’s Peter Manley in controversial circumstances.
For the first time this weekend, there is pressure on the 21-year-old to perform and produce the goods. “I realise that,” he admitted. “The important thing is to win that first match on Saturday and keep your concentration, because it is a gruelling format.”

The FA Cup of darts features nearly 140 players over three days and the heat will play a big part inside and outside the arena. It could be one of the hottest venues ever for a major tournament and stamina will be key.

Lewis is the No.2 seed for the event, after winning £7,200 in the UK Open regional tournaments. He won the Scottish Regional in January on a memorable weekend, having claimed the Scottish Players Championship event as well.

He comes into the UK Open at the 3rd round stage on Saturday evening, along with most of the Team Unicorn stars. Last year, he reached the last 16 before bowing out to Chris Mason in one of the matches of the tournament. “I lost 11-9, despite hitting 12 180s. I should have won! But I am a year older and hopefully a year wiser!”

It is a big weekend for Lewis, because he is also chasing vital world ranking points. The top 12 after this tournament are guaranteed their places at the Las Vegas Desert Classic later this month. At the moment, Lewis is ranked No.13 – just three points behind Terry Jenkins in the race for that 12th spot. “If I can do better than Terry at Bolton, then I will be in the top 12, so that is a massive incentive for me,” he said.

Team Unicorn dominates the UK Open Order of Merit. Colin Lloyd, Lewis and Kevin Painter hold the top three places. Phil Taylor is ranked 13th, because he only played in three of the regional events. ‘The Power’ is chasing his 3rd UK Open crown and of course is defending champion after his victory over Mark Walsh 12 months ago.

James Wade is 18th, Peter Manley 20th, John Part 27th and Bob Anderson 32nd, so they all get Friday off!

Part needs a big tournament. He should have beaten Taylor last year – throwing away a 7-1 lead and two years ago, the former World Champion was beaten in the final by Roland Scholten.

Team Unicorn contender Michael Barnard starts his bid on Friday. He comes in at the 2nd Round stage and will take on either Mark Thomson, Kevin Spiolek or Nigel Langton.

Order of Play:

Friday 6pm: First Round (best of 11 legs)

Friday 8.30pm: Second Round (best of 15 legs)

Saturday 5pm: 3rd Round (best of 15 legs)

Saturday 9pm: 4th Round (best of 21 legs)

Sunday 1pm: 5th Round (best of 21 legs)

Sunday 3.30pm: Quarter-Finals (best of 21 legs)

Sunday 6pm: Semi-Finals (best of 21 legs)

Sunday 9pm: Final (best of 25 legs)

Prize money:

Winner: £30,000

Runner-up: £15,000

Losing semi-finalists: £7,500

Losing quarter-finalists: £4,000
Last 16: £2,000

Last 32: £1,000

Last 64: £500

Stay in touch with the Unicorn website for regular updates over this massive weekend for darts.

BY STUART PYKE