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As the Team Unicorn star approaches his 40th birthday, he is hungry to prove the doubters wrong and claim more major titles. His failure to qualify for the 2006 Premier League hurt the Canadian but it seems reports of his demise are premature!

“I really feel up to the challenges of the modern day PDC,” he said. “I am very happy to be ‘Part’ of its history but I am looking at my 40th as the beginning of a new John Part era and I am very positive about the future. I will be working very hard all summer to make sure a new, refreshed John Part emerges. Darth Maple will rise again!”

It was only a couple of years ago that Part was a constant figure in the World’s top three but he has slipped down to 16th in the rankings. That means he will have to qualify for the Las Vegas Desert Classic for the first time. Part of course is a former runner-up and semi-finalist in Vegas. The qualifiers take place next Monday and Tuesday, with eight places in the main draw available on each day.

Part admitted: “The slip down the rankings is starting to get a bit worrying but I have faith in myself to come back up the ladder. I do need a good tournament at the Desert Classic. I feel ready and I’m certainly not going to Vegas for a vacation. This trip will be all business.”

After a brilliant victory over Chris Mason in the 2nd round at the World Championships, Part lost another thriller in round three against Wayne Mardle. No Premier League meant time back at home and tournament victories on the North American circuit. The biggest disappointment for the two-time World champ was losing in the 1st round of the World Series of Darts in Connecticut to John Kuczynski but he feels things are starting to come good once again.

“You can expect me to move back up the rankings over the next 12 months. My darts are getting sharper all the time and I’m enjoying my practice more than ever. I feel re-invigorated to excel again. I am certainly not dwelling on my past victories but it is a great strength to know that I am capable of anything.”

The signs were there at the UK Open in Bolton. Part started with two ruthless victories over Gary Welding and Andrew Hamilton but then blew a 4-0 lead to lose 11-9 to Andy Callaby at the last 16 stage. Last weekend he again reached the last 16 of the Players Championship at Hayling Island, before losing to the eventual winner Raymond Van Barneveld, Part had his chance but missed doubles again proved costly.

“Turning 40 has also forced me into a big re-think,” he admitted. “I am determined to work on my fitness. This will give me the strength that I may have lacked of late. I have noticed that winning breeds more winning.”

And that message is loud and clear for the rest of the world’s top darts stars. “When I do get another major title….and I will, expect more to follow. I plan to dominate. I know I am strong mentally, so I just need to keep practicing and get fit.”

Part is guaranteed a good spot in the new Order of Merit, when the PDC switches to a money-list next year. He is currently 10th in the provisional list.

And look out for a potentially mouth-watering clash against his old foe and Team Unicorn stablemate Phil Taylor at the World Matchplay in Blackpool in July. The seedings for the tournament are based on the world rankings after the UK Open. Taylor was No.1 after The Reebok and Part was No.16…..they could clash head on in the 2nd round, as Part looks to repeat his victory over ‘The Power’ at the Matchplay 12 months ago.

John Part is a proven champion and a proven winner…only a fool would bet against a big change in fortune for the Canadian over the next 18 months.

BY STUART PYKE