Hughes confident ahead of debut in Blackpool: 'Of course I can win the World Matchplay'

Jamie Hughes claimed a maiden PDC European Tour title with an out of nowhere run to the final which saw the Tipton ace also claim a World Matchplay spot.

The Czech Darts Open winner has spoke ahead of his debut in Blackpool and said that for him it's a bit of a fairytale story and that he hopes to kick on now in Blackpool.

'Yozza' has also spoke about a potential run at the Winter Gardens and said that for him he can win the event as his stats are as good as anyone.

"This ranks as probably my biggest achievement in darts, it doesn't feel real," said two-time Lakeside semi-finalist Hughes.

"To come out of nowhere and force myself into the World Matchplay is a bit of a fairytale story. Michael van Gerwen, an all-time great, was in the field for the event, yet I'm the one coming away with the trophy.

"I never go into any tournament saying I'm going to win this or that, I just say to myself 'be the best you and they'll have to play well to beat you'.

"Earlier in the year I was posting massive averages and losing, but recently I've been winning with low averages, so it's all about hitting doubles.

"Hopefully I can kick on now. I'm hoping that this is the start of big things for me starting in Blackpool.

"Of course I can win the World Matchplay, if you look at the stats I'm as good as anyone so why not?"