BEN Ward is celebrating after qualifying for his most prestigious event to date – the Winmau World Masters.

The Dorchester arrowsman booked his place at this year’s showpiece courtesy of his impressive displays for Dorset.

And the 23-year-old will be looking to continue his fine form of 2012 when he takes to the oche at Hull City Hall in October – a competition last won by BDO world number one Scott Waites.

On the topic of his ticket to the World Masters, Ward, who recently notched his first nine-darter, said: “It’s definitely right up there with my best achievements.

“I qualified through my county average. I finished 19th in the whole of Great Britain, which isn’t too bad, and if you finish in the top 20 you get an automatic invite for the World Masters.

“I finished second in my division and top of the Dorset averages.”

First and foremost though, Ward is eyeing success at this weekend’s BDO British Classic and England Masters, which are both being held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

The county town ace is in confident mood following a decent display at last weekend’s BDO Gold Cup Finals, where he reached the last 16 before losing 3-1 to eventual runner-up Wayne Warren.

He added: “I got to the last 16 out of about 100 guys but I lost to Wayne.

“I played really well on the day but Wayne was playing exceptionally well and it was just a case of running into him at the wrong time.”

An impressive second half to the year could also see Ward clinch a debut appearance at the BDO World Championships, as well as gaining selection for the England squad He said: “Last year I reached the qualifiers for Lakeside and coming up is the chance to reach that stage again. I just need to do well in the Dorset qualifier.”

Anyone wishing to sponsor Ward can contact him on 07810175641.