New approach from Nicholson

Paul Nicholson is going to be more "unpredictable" at this year's PDC World Darts Championship as he doesn't think his bid to behave has been a success.

The 'bad boy' of darts has been more respectful to crowds this season but feels his game has suffered and now promises a few new "antics" on the oche.

Nicholson faces Co Stompe on the opening night at Ally Pally and the Matchstick may have to watch out some tricks from the Australian.

"I think I'm a better professional now but whether I'm a better player than last season - I don't think so," Nicholson told sportinglife.com.

"This year's I've tried to be more respectful towards the crowd and not give them any gestures or anything like that.

"I've tried to be a better person but I don't think it's worked and it's kind of backfired because the crowd want me to be that character so when they haven't seen it they feel cheated.

"What I'm going to do is go back to being a bit more out there and unpredictable so you'll have to tune into Sky Sports to see what I'm going to come up with.

"If the opponent and situation are right then I'm sure we can come up with something."

Nicholson has a clear target in mind for the World Championship and also speaks of the motivation given to him by seeing reigning champion Adrian Lewis with his prize from last year.

This time the players will be battling for the new Sid Waddell Trophy and Nicholson insists he's prepared for the "survival of the fittest".

"I've got a certain target and that is to win my quarter," he added.

"Once you get to that stage the games become a lot longer and then it's a game of survival of the fittest.

"Essentially if you are in that position then you totally throw Christmas and New Year out the window and focus on what the job is.

"I was at an exhibition with Adrian Lewis and he brought the (old) trophy with him and I'd never seen it before.

"I didn't touch it and a lot of darts players are like that because of superstition but I thought 'yeah I want to get my hands on that'.

"If you win that you are pretty much set career-wise.

"You'll always be referred to as a world champion and that's something nobody can ever take away from you."

One of the targets for Nicholson is to play in the Premier League during his career.

The Asset knows competing in the tournament would be a fantastic opportunity but there is still plenty of time left in his darting journey to make it happen.

"I'd like to play in the Premier League at some point but I'd like it to come naturally.

"I don't really want to put pressure on myself and say 'I want to be in it this year of the next year'.

"It's something that comes as a result of good form and confidence.

"People were saying to me last year that some of the antics I created were all to get in the Premier League.

"That's not what it was. I was just trying to build confidence and when I get confident I will admit I get tiny bit cockier.

"If it comes along great and I think it will at some point but it will when it's right."

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