AN aspiring darts champion nicknamed "The Teapot" said he's determined to cause a stir in the professional game.

Tim "Teapot" Jones began chasing his dream a year ago after winning an amateur tournament — dubbed the People's Darts Championships — which thousands of players had entered.

Its final stages were held at Surrey's Lakeside Country Club, the home of the sport's annual world championships.

Tim was two matches away from qualifying for this year's world championships — televised on the BBC last week — and is determined to make it through next time round.

"The Lakeside is the goal," said Tim, of Wellfield Avenue, Neath. His darting quest took him to Spain last year, where he reached the final of the Torremolinos Open. He also made the finals of the Welsh Open, and has been turning out for the Glamorgan county side.

As well as hours on the road — and in the air — the modest 32-year-old admitted to signing a few autographs. He reckoned his nickname — a tribute to his unusual side-on stance at the oche — had gone down a treat.

Tim has also rubbed shoulders with the very best players, who have given him tips on how to hold his nerve at key moments. Tournaments and game time were vital. He said: "The more experience you get, you don't get so nervous."

In other respects, Tim's life has changed little. He is still a carer for mum, Sheila Harris, and a regular at the Rose and Crown pub, Briton Ferry. Last year he donated prize money he scooped at the People's Darts Championships to Arthritis Care. Tim said he's lining up several tournaments for 2010. And he's hoping to attract backers, in addition to Red Dragon Darts and JK's Club, Briton Ferry.

richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk