Ross ‘The Boss’ Montgomery admits he would love to face reigning world champion Peter Wright when he makes his PDC bow this weekend.
The 59-year-old insists he is relishing the challenge of playing on the PDC Tour this season and fancies tackling the challenge of turning professional head on.
The Greenhills thrower was a surprise Tour card winner at PDC Q-School last month and, after landing playing privileges for the next two years, he will make his bow in Barnsley when he competes against some of the games top names at the Players Championship 1-2 events.
Over 120 PDC Tour Card holders including former world champions Gary Anderson, Gerwyn Price and Raymond van Barneveld are in the field for the events at the Barnsley Metrodome, played over Saturday and Sunday.
But Ross fancies the challenge of ‘Snakebite’ Wright, who lifted the world title at the Ally Pally last month.
The Boss said: “I will just get on with it no matter who I draw, but, if you could pick, I'd say the world champion.
"I've played Michael van Gerwen and the likes of Rob Cross over the years, but it would be nice to play the reigning champion - and see what darts he uses!
"I've never played with him before. Peter said hello to me in 2017 at the Grand Slam of Darts, but that's my only encounter with him.
"He's obviously doing really well and it would be nice to play him.
"But I'll get on with it, whoever I play.
“It’s a strange feeling going there but I’ll keep focused on the job ahead. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.
“Practice has been going well, so we’ll see what happens.”
After securing his tour card last month, The Boss sought the advice of his good friend and fellow PDC player Alan Soutar on how to balance the pro ranks with his day job. Soutar is a fire fighter in Arbroath and successfully juggles the two, while Montgomery is a full-time handyman.
Ross added: "I spoke to Alan and he's given me bits and bobs here and there.
"He's been quite helpful and his manager has given me some tips on what to expect as well.
"I just hope I don't draw Alan in the first round! Hopefully we can keep apart."
The first two Players Championship events of 2022 will be broadcast live on PDCTV and a prize fund of £100,000 is on offer at each of the events.
Montgomery has been warming up with some practice sessions and competitive district league matches.
He added: "I still play my Monday nights in East Kilbride and Thursdays in Rutherglen, and I try to get some practice rounds in with my mates to keep the arm going, as well as playing on DartConnect against the computer, setting it high to make it as difficult as possible.
"I need to work hard to get the results required to be successful. I just need to start from the bottom and hopefully work my way up.
"Whatever you earn from the matches on the PDC, it goes onto your ranking and you build from there.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge."
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