Shropshire’s Steve Farmer is aiming to cap a sensational first year on the professional darts circuit when he makes his debut in the Ladbrokes.com World Championship tonight.

Farmer faces Aussie Paul Nicholson, the self-styled bad boy of darts, in what is the opening match of the sport’s most prestigious event at the Alexandra Palace in London.

Nicholson, who was born in Newcastle before moving Down Under, is currently 16th on the Order of Merit and has won £141,921 in prizemoney this year.

But that will not faze Farmer, 44, who has proved a sensation since switching from the amateur British Darts Organisation to the Professional Darts Corporation in February.

He has leapt from an opening ranking of 376 to 55th on the Order of Merit and won the Dutch Open Players Championship – beating Nicholson along the way before defeating former world finalist Kevin Painter.

“I wish I’d moved years ago,” said Farmer, who hails from Church Stretton and is sponsored by Welshpool firm Technogroup.

“It’s been a breath of fresh air and the standard’s fantastic.

“Tonight is my first time playing at the Ally Pally and apparently it’s a huge stage so it’s going to be different.

“But I’ve beaten Paul once this year already so I feel very good about the match.

“I’m playing better than I’ve ever played in my life, my standard has shot up this year.

“I just want to put on a good show for my family and friends and for everyone in the audience.”