Ted Hankey

Hankey counts on making it through group stages13/11/2009

Published: Friday, 13 November 2009, 3:16PM

BDO world champion Ted Hankey believes the toughest challenge he will face in the Grand Slam of Darts is adjusting to the short and sharp match format in the group stages.

The opening round-robin stage of the Grand Slam consists of three best-of-nine-legs shoot-outs, but Hankey believes his game is best suited to longer matches which allow him to find his rhythm.

He said: "I've watched the Grand Slam in previous years and it's been entertaining.

"I don't like the short games though. I've got to dig in straight away and hopefully get through the group to the longer games, which suit me better."

Hankey, who beat Tony O'Shea 7-6 to lift his second BDO title back in January, has been drawn in a tough group with Australian Simon Whitlock, Wayne 'Hawaii 501' Mardle and Yorkshire's Scott Waites. However, 'The Count' says he is undaunted by the prospect.

 ""I'm happy with my group but would have been happy with any other group. I just want to be there and show people how good I am."