But for Nicholson, it proved to be all worth it in the end with one moment standing out which began the true rise of 'The Asset'.

"I went to the 2007 Australian Singles and that's when everything changed. After arriving late on a delayed flight, I didn't get through the first morning qualifier and the afternoon qualifier for the main event on the Sunday but I came through the Sunday morning qualifier," said Nicholson to Sporting Life.

"I completely blitzed the knockout stage of the tournament and walked away with this trophy about three foot high and consequently I was late for work the following morning. My confidence was swollen overnight.

The next 12 months included multiple wins, I won the Australian Matchplay. I won all over the place, I was flying backwards and forwards to New Zealand and to New South Wales and I was going to all tournaments. I was a threat wherever I went."

"In May 2008, everything changed globally as they held an event in Christchurch. Whoever wins this tournament gets a PDC Membership paid for and you get entry into the Las Vegas Desert Classic qualifiers.

I went to Christchurch and I didn't lose an event. I remember crying in the car park thinking my life might have just changed and it did. "

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