Australian star Barry Jouannet remains on target to claim a prized place at this year’s World Championships…..but the race for Purfleet looks like going down to the wire. The Unicorn Global left-hander has won the latest event on the Australian Grand Prix circuit – beating his greatest rival Anthony Fleet along the way – and the gap between the two at the top of the Aussie rankings is now just six points, with two events to go. Jouannet beat Peter Corcoran in the final of the Condobolin Grand Prix, after disposing of Fleet in the last 16. The man they call ‘China’ was at his very best to take the title and the crucial points. He said: “I want to get back to the Circus Tavern more than anything. I have been there twice and the atmosphere is just amazing. Fleety is a great player but he has got to get past me and I am not going down without a fight!” Jouannet added: “I just missed out last year and that was one of the most disappointing days of my darting career. I am determined to play in the 2007 Ladbrokes.com World Championships.” Fleet went into the tournament knowing victory would clinch his place at Purfleet but after being beaten by Jouannet in the last 16, his lead over the Unicorn ace has been slashed to six points. The two remaining events in the Australian Grand Prix calendar are the William Cross Pro-Am and the Bulleit Open. Jouannet believes he is better equipped than ever to take on the World’s best in December. In his previous two appearances at the Circus Tavern, he fell at the first hurdle. And he also knows, that if fails to haul in Fleet in those next two tournaments, he will get another chance at World Championship glory. The winner of the Oceanic Masters in October will also clinch a place at Purfleet. BY STUART PYKE
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