Rumour has it there's a world championship getting under way tomorrow.

Not quite sure where I heard it, but as I scoured the morning's tabloids for news, it took me plenty of time to put some flesh on the bones.

As it was, the Sunday Mirror and Sunday Express came to my rescue, albeit devoting no more than a combined 20 paragraphs to the fact that 'The Power' will begin his bid for a 14th world title in Purfleet tomorrow afternoon.

And one of those pieces is based on quotes that appeared elswhere earlier in the week. Frankly it's not good enough.

Even the age-old 'darts is a pub game' argument doesn't stand up to scrutiny given the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year had Phil Taylor on a 10-person shortlist which, it should be pointed out, included no footballers.

Of course, darts doesn't sell papers...but does news that Swedish lothario (and occasional football manager) Sven is apparently in talks with two French clubs? Because that was deemed worthy of a back-page lead.

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I've never been a great one for remembering my dreams.

But it's mark of how much darts takes over my life at this time of year that a dream about a portly former Dutch postman caused me anything but concern.

Two nights after tipping Barney each way at 5/1 in my pre-tournament betting preview, I'm delighted to report he nailed his favourite double 18 to edge out Taylor in what Sid Waddell described (in an unusually understated manner) as "the greatest final we've seen at Purfleet".

'The Power' was dignified in defeat while Barney danced on the stage a bit like your dad, souring the memory of his first PDC world title.

Hopefully come New Year's Day, it'll be more than just a dream...