BEN Ward is hoping to make a good impression this weekend when he makes his PDC Pro Tour debut at the first Players’ Championship events in Barnsley.

The 25-year-old from Dorchester would like to get a chance to show off his skills after his campaign at last week’s UK Open failed to get off the ground.

Ward lost 5-0 to Steve Maish in the second round despite finishing with a three-dart average of 91.

He was unfortunate to come up against an opponent who didn’t put a foot wrong on his doubles – Maish checked out on 115, 116 and 130 during the match.

But with the disappointment of his early exit in Minehead behind him, Ward is looking forward to his trip to South Yorkshire.

“I can’t dwell on what happened at the UK Open,” he said. “I’ve got to put that to one side and carry on with the next tournament.

“I felt really good last week and enjoyed the experience, I just came up against someone who didn’t miss a double. If I stay confident I will be alright – I might win some cash this weekend.”

There are 20 Players’ Champion-ship events in all with the first two this weekend featuring nearly 130 of the world’s best players.

Ward’s long-term goal is to do well enough on the tour to qualify for the World Championship at the end of the year.