DARTER Mark Couchman will wheel on to the game's big stage when he contests the Winmau World Masters.

The Barrow thrower will be among the field for the wheelchair event at Lakeside – home of the BDO World Championships – in December.

Couchman has been handed a wildcard on the back of his displays earlier in the year to battle throwers from across the globe, and said: “This is the main event. All the top players from around the world – able-bodied and disabled – will be there.

“I'm absolutely buzzing – it just makes you want to raise your game to the next level.

“It might be a bit overwhelming. I've met some of the top players through some of the other events, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I've got to take the opportunity with both hands.”

Couchman is a member of the Dirty Duck team in the Barrow Mixed Darts League, and won his first tournament for the WDDA (World Disability Darts Association) at the Winmau Classic in Birmingham earlier this year.

While the 41-year-old throws to a regularly-placed board from his chair in local competition, he will be using a Wildfire board, which has a flip screen and can be switched round to a lower level in the Masters.

That will require extra practice on an adapted board at home as he gears up for his biggest day on the oche.

“I'm just going to be practising, practising, practising,” Couchman added. “I'll be getting my technique right. I've swapped to a new dart since I won in Birmingham and it is paying off – I'm getting scores over 100 now with near-enough every throw.

“Having to throw up at the higher board in the Mixed Darts League does make it a bit more difficult. I have to change my technique, but I'll get hold of a stand now to bring the dartboard down to my level, so I'm not changing my throw when I get to the Masters.”

Couchman is looking for help with sponsorship to enable him to compete in more national tournaments. Anyone interested in helping can contact him on 07764 279342.