BEN Ward has pinpointed qualifying for the next PDC World Championships as his number one aim for 2015 – and he is looking to take inspiration in his quest from someone who has been on cloud nine this week.

Dorchester ace Ward missed out on a trip to Alexandra Palace at the end of last year, leaving him to watch from home as Scotland’s Gary Anderson won his first global title.

The new season starts for Ward tomorrow seven days after fellow Dorset arrowsman and good friend Scott Mitchell claimed the BDO world title.

And as he begins his bid for a place at the PDC’s showpiece event in December, Ward will be trying to use Mitchell’s success to help him on his way.

“I know Scott very well and thought he was superb at the Lakeside,” he said. “I’ve seen Scott play and know what he can do.

“He didn’t play his best in the final but was probably quite nervous having not done too well there before.

“It’s lovely to see him do so well and it does inspire you to do bigger and better things.

“I think he will defend his trophy but Scott is good enough to move over to the PDC.

“I hope he does switch at some point because it would be nice to have another Dorset player on the tour.”

Ward is in Wigan tomorrow for two European Tour qualifiers, before going out to the USA next week to take part in the Las Vegas Open.

The county town star knows he should have been at the world championships in London over the festive period and is eager to make up for that disappointment this season.

“I threw it away last year and I only had myself to blame,” he added.

“But since that loss in the qualifiers I have put in a lot of practice, I’m playing a bit more, and I feel confident.

“If I can start 2015 like I did last year then I should have a really good chance of getting to the Worlds.”