Defending champion De Sousa looks ahead to Grand Slam defence: "I think I am a better all-round player now"

Jose de Sousa will begin the defence of his Grand Slam of Darts title this evening in a bumper session when he faces Matt Campbell in Group F action.

Winning the tournament behind closed doors last year, De Sousa will get a chance to technically debut in the Grand Slam playing in Wolverhampton in front of a crowd.

For him, he believes he is a better player than last year and is looking forward to putting on a show.

"Winning the Grand Slam last year was a dream for me," said De Sousa.

"It was the tournament where I moved to the next level in the PDC, I showed I can do it in one of the biggest tournaments in the world.

"It gave me a lot of confidence, and got me into the Premier League where I also did well.

"I think I am a better all-round player now than I was last year, and I am looking forward to trying to keep hold of my trophy."