Shepherd looking to go one better

Shepherd's performances belied his youth and inexperience in 2007/08

Kirk Shepherd, the surprise runner-up of the 2008 PDC World Darts, has said he is confident he can go one better and win the tournament.

The qualifier, from Ramsgate in Kent, went all the way to the final before losing to Canada's John Part.

The 22-year-old told BBC Radio Kent: "I was an unknown ranked outsider but I always believed in my own ability and this year I'm looking to go one better.

"I've given up my job to put in a lot more practice... and I'm ready for it."

The former sheet metal worker added: "I've been able to play a lot more tournaments and so I've been gaining valuable experience. More than ever I feel I'm ready for it."

Kirk's put a lot of practice in against some good players and I'm expecting good things

Keith Shepherd

Since giving up his job, Shepherd now spends at least four hours a day practicing.

But he has a tough task in round one against Dutch left-hander Jan van der Rassel.

Shepherd's father Keith told BBC Radio Kent: "Van der Rassel is a very good player but Kirk's played him twice this year and beaten him both times, but this is another story.

"Kirk's put a lot of practice in against some good players and I'm expecting good things."