Andy Hamilton believes he is ready to make a huge impact in the Ladbrokes.com World Championship - thanks to the help of Chris Mason.

'The Hammer' is back on the Circus Tavern stage where he first made a name for himself two years ago, reaching the quarter-finals, and he has continued his improvement since then.

Now up to number 19 in the rankings, the 39-year-old is one of the in-form players on the circuit having reached the semi-finals of the World Matchplay at Blackpool in July.

He also has a new practice partner in Mason, who has moved to the Stoke-on-Trent area and the duo have pushed each other hard in the quest to hone their respective games for darts' richest event.

Hamilton is a 25/1 chance to win the tournament with Betterbet.com who have Phil Taylor at 8/13.