Southend's ace arrows man Steve Maish steps up to the oche in Bolton tonight as he launches his UK Open bid.

Maish fancies his chances against Vic Hubbard after being given a bye into the second round courtesy of his ranking of 50th in the final PDC Order of Merit rankings for the season.

Have darts, will play - Steve Maish is ready of action Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

"I have every faith in my ability," said the self-employed mastic applicator who has won every singles title on offer on the local scene.

His lower-ranked opponent -- 13 places below Maish in the PDC standings -- only just scraped a top-64 spot and first-round bye, so the south Essex man starts as favourite.

Up for grabs could be a meeting with one of the sport's star players in round three when, in true FA Cup style, the big guns enter the fray.

If he wins through Maish, a 39-year-old of Gayton Road who will play for the Minerva after switching from Fat Cats, will have every chance of further progress.

No player will hold any fears for him after he beat double world champion and current number two John Part earlier this year to prove he can mix it with the best in the business.

"I absolutely trounced John Part at Great Yarmouth and know on my day I can beat anyone," added Maish.

Published Friday, May 30, 2003

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