Walton's win last year changed his life

The Englishman was always on the fringe in European Opens throughout the late '90s and lost in the first round of his only appearance in the Embassy World Darts Championships to Dutchman Roland Scholten.

Then, within the space of six weeks, life changed for Walton.

The writing must have been on the wall when he arrived at the Lakeside last January, having beaten the likes of Andy Jenkins, Chris Mason and Mervyn King to win the Winmau World Masters just a month before.

His blistering form continued throughout the Embassy week with victories over Welshman Ritchie Davies, number one seed King, dangerous Finn Marko Pusa, crowd favourite Wayne Mardle and finally defending champion Ted Hankey.

"Before winning I was just another struggling pro," added Walton.

"So much has happened in this year. There is so much exhibition and presentation work and I have matured as a player and person.

"I have been part of 40 Embassy Road Shows which have helped me develop and I am now more confident in front of TV cameras and with radio."

Walton married long-standing girlfriend Sally last June and they are already planning for the future.

"You have to be realistic," he says.

"The prize money was great but in reality it is around two years' wages.

"We haven't touched it but put it away and hope to be able to retire early."

Walton does not drink while playing matches

Rumours of Walton being the first tee-total world champion are unfounded but you will not find alcohol in his veins when he is on the oche.

"I drink socially but when I am playing, I look on it as a job.

"I like to have a clear head and to be in total control.

"I learned that lesson years ago when I was playing my dad," he adds.

"I was 10-0 up and he was buying the beers and I lost 11-10!"

Walton cites Eric Bristow and Jocky Wilson as his darting heroes and, like them, he wants to win the Embassy more than once.

"I set myself a target of becoming world ranked number one when I won last year and I have achieved that.

"My next aim is to retain my title but I know it is not going to be easy."

However, opponents will want to avoid Walton as the defending champion is the man in form.

Since his double Lakeside victories, his haul of titles include the British Classic, British Open, Belgium Open, Scottish Open, Malaysian Masters, World Cup pairs (with Andy Fordham) - and he was part of the four-man World Cup-winning team.