De Sousa sees return to form incoming after Whitlock win: "I see the light at the end of the tunnel"

After becoming the first man to come from 2 sets behind and win at this year's PDC World Darts Championship against Simon Whitlock, Jose de Sousa is now hoping it can kickstart a return to the kind of form that saw him crowned Grand Slam of Darts champion.

Despite not playing his best darts, the Special One showed guts and determination to mount a thrilling comeback and secure a place in round 3. "After the second break I told myself 'let's put pressure on Simon, maybe things will change' and that's what happened."

De Sousa has seen himself slip to number 17 in the world rankings after a disappointing year. After the struggles, the Portuguese is now starting to feel his confidence coming back. "I don't think about order of merit. I want to recover my game, make good performances and make the crowd enjoy my games."

"After the World Matchplay I start to play better again." he says. "In some ways it's like I see the light at the end of the tunnel." Awaiting the Special One in round 3 will be either Ryan Searle or Adam Gawlas as de Sousa looks to progress past the third round at the World Championship for the first time in his career.