Anthony Fleet heads to the UK just after Christmas to compete at the home of darts - Lakeside. He will be Australia's only representative competing this year at 2010 World Professional Darts Championships being played from Saturday January 2nd through to Sunday January 10th 2010 at the Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green just outside London. He has been practising hard after getting the call up and we wish him well. Dartsbet has placed him at 150/1 to win the Lakeside tournament, which is sensational value, so if you want a punt on him get on board, and place your bets at www.dartsbet.com.au. Perhaps another world title is not beyond him after winning the World Pairs Title with Geoff Kime at the recently contested World Cup in the US in September. His first round match will not be easy as he is up against 2007 Champion England's Martin Adams.

After Tony returned from the World Cup in October, I asked him a few questions and here are his responses.

How have you seen 2009 dart wise for Anthony Fleet?
It's been quite a satisfying year so far.

When and where did your career start?
Oh it all started in Canberra back in 1979

Who have you admired over the years as a dart player?
Without doubt Russell Stewart.

How often do you play during the week?
These days only a couple of times a week.

Do you have a practice routine that you go through most days & if you do, what is it?
I generally do the same thing all the time but don't want to go into it right now.

How does it make you feel to be ranked the No.1 player in Australia at the moment?
Strange I guess and a bit serial.

The Australian Grand Prix was launched at the start of this year?
The number of events in the next 12 months to win the Australian Grand Prix Rankings will be increased to possibly 12 or more events that will be played all over Australia. Do you see yourself getting to most of these events?
I am not to sure at this stage, but I will be going to as many of them as I can.

You won a trip to the UK to attend the Winmau by topping the 2009 Australian Grand Prix Rankings. You just returned from attending the Winmau for the first time. How did you find the event?
It was very good but so different as well

How did it feel being selected in the Australian Team again?
Very proud and so keen to get back playing.

When heading off to the World Cup your flight was delayed in Australia, resulting in you missing your flight to the US. Did this upset you in anyway prior to the World Cup?
No not really. The girls at United Airlines were great. They went out of there way to get me over the US with out losing much time.

How did you find the World Cup in Charlotte?
I had a ball from start to finish. The Team harmony was out of this world.

You just won the World Pairs Title at the World Cup in Charlotte North Carolina in the USA with Geoff Kime. How was that experience?
It was truly great and Geoff is a magic bloke.

Sometime it takes a while but has winning the world title sunk in yet?
Not really life goes on wife, house and mortgage and kids.

How did you find Geoff Kime as your playing partner? You would not have played with him before the World Cup.
Not hard at all. He is a great bloke to be around

I guess winning a bronze medal and placing third overall was pretty pleasing as well. How did you find the Team in 2009?
I can say the guys were brilliant to play with and it was our best result ever

After the World Cup was all wrapped up did you gain anything else out of attending the World Cup this year?
Yes. I gained a lot of confidence now that I am playing at the top level amongst the best players in the world.

And now you are off to the Lakeside World Professional Darts Championships. How much are you looking forward to it and how are the nerves at this stage?
I have waited all my life to get this chance, and nerves, what nerves?

What are your expectations this year at Lakeside?
Just a good performance will be fine

How do you think you will feel when you had to throw that first dart in competition on stage at Lakeside?
Hopefully no different than most other times you put on an Aussies shirt.

If Anthony Fleet were to win Lakeside this year, what would he do? Would playing overseas at more international tournaments be of interest?
I would be off like a rocket

What is the biggest game you have played in?
The first time I played Raymond Barneveld

What darting event are you looking forward to the most in 2010?
The Aussie Singles in Gosford. Its about time I won that one.

Where would Anthony Fleet like to be at the end of 2010 in regards to his darting career?
I would love to be in the top ten in the BDO rankings

How do you feel about the future of Darts in Australia?
Things are going great. Kelvin James our president is pretty smart.

Fleety, thank you for you time in answering our questions. Best of luck for the rest of 2009 and 2010 with all of your darting ventures.