Durrant made the switch at the start of the year and hasn’t looked back since shunning all the doubters who thought he wouldn’t make it.
But while he is a seeded player, he knows that he can’t rest on his laurels and with him exceeding all of his targets, he called Ally Pally a bonus.
“It’s been a dream first year and now I want the cherry on the cake with a good run at Alexandra Palace,” said Durrant.
“I’m super excited, Ally Pally is going to be really special and in truth I’ve had one eye on it since the World Matchplay finished in July.
“I’ve done really well in my first year, whatever targets I’ve set I’ve exceeded them and to be honest the World Championship feel like a bit of a bonus for me.
“I’m very proud to be a seeded player in my first year, but I'm not taking anything for granted – it’s going to be the old cliché of one game at a time and that’s the way it has to be.
“I’m really determined to go out there and achieve something special while having a bit of fun too.”