Paul Nicholson believes he is playing well enough to challenge for the world title at the Alexandra Palace come January.
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The Asset eased into the second round of darts' showcase event with a 3-1 win over Mensur Suljovic on Saturday night, but will need to beat the best if he is to become champion of the world.
He has been embroiled in a war of words with Phil Taylor this season following his controversial comments at the World Matchplay, but has often matched his bold words with top darts.
The Geordie-Aussie knows that a good run in this event will also all but confirm his wildcard spot in the 2012 Premier League.
Live-Darts caught up with the self-confessed bad-boy of darts prior to the World Championships.
Live-Darts: How do you feel you've matured as a player since your debut at the worlds?
Nicholson: "I've matured massively, probably about 10,000 per cent. When I first came here I tried to be different, I think I did that but along the way I think I made a lot of mistakes."
Live-Darts: What are you doing differently?
Nicholson: "Now I've matured, I've learned from my mistakes and now I'm making the right kind of choices in my life, lifestyle-wise and darts-wise - it's a great game to be involved in."
Live-Darts: How far do you feel you can go in this tournament?
Nicholson: "I'm loving what I'm doing right now and because of those changes I'm playing really well. I've had a fantastic season but who knows, this tournament's my osyter."
Live-Darts: You could run into Phil Taylor again in the Quarter-Finals, what are your thought on your rivalry with The Power?
Nicholson: "I have great admiration for what Phil has done for the sport but in a few year's he'll be gone and other players will take over, I'll be one of them. I just have to play my own game and I know I'm good enough."
Nicholson returns to action at Alexandra Palace on Tuesday December 27, where he will face left-hander Alan Tabern in round two of the World Championships.
Title sponsors Ladbrokes are offering 50/1 for Nicholson to win the tournament outright.
