Gates after securing debut at US Darts Masters: 'Thursday is going to be a whole new adventure for me'

Leonard Gates claimed victory in the second qualifier of the day on Tuesday in Las Vegas to secure qualification for the US Darts Masters and North American Championship.

Gates is well-known to those who follow the American darts scene and Soft-Tip darts with the player known as 'Soldier' being one of the leading lights but up to now he has not secured a World Series debut.

The Houston ace spoke after securing qualification and admitted it is going to be a new adventure for him but that he is going to keep himself calm and not get too carried away.

He has also not set any goals and wants to see what happens during his two appearances on stage at the Mandalay Bay.

"Thursday is going to be a whole new adventure for me," said Gates.

"I might not show it on the outside but the inside is full of joy - but I also know that there's more to come and I have to keep myself calm.

"It's another opportunity for me. I want to be prepared and I'll be practising hard on Wednesday to get ready.

"It's going to be exciting - I have to what I do on the board. This is the first time I've made it through so we're going to see what happens after this."

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