DARTS player Jim Williams hopes that a new set of darts could hit the bullseye this weekend as he competes in one of the biggest events in the calendar.

The former Wigmore School pupil lost his arrows in a taxi in Belfast around four months ago and has been struggling for form.

But Williams hopes that his luck could turn around when he stars in the Belgium Open in Antwerp.

"I lost my darts about four or five months ago in Belfast, so I've had a bit of bad luck," said Williams.

"I left them in a taxi as I was about to get a flight and was in a bit of a rush.

"But, I have got a new set now so I am hoping that my luck will turn around."

The Belgium Open, organised by the Belgian Darts Federation, is one of the showpiece events on the BDO calendar.

Around 1,000 players are set to take part at the Riyal Yachting Club over three days, starting tomorrow (Friday).

A blind draw, with a maximum of 256 players, will commence tomorrow, with pairs matches taking place on Saturday and singles on Sunday.

The winner of the Mens' Singles will receive a cheque for €2,500.

It is a busy period for Williams because, after he competes in Belgium, he will also be taking part in the British Classic at the Sports Arena in Hull and the Swedish Open.

He will then return to Belgium for another ranking event.

"Things are going ok at the moment, but it is fair to say that I have had a bad spell," said Williams.

"The aim is to get in the top 26 to get to Lakeside for the BDO World Professional Championships next month.

"I think I am in 23rd place at the moment, but I have struggled and dropped down a bit.

"Losing my darts didn't help."

Williams, from Presteigne, crashed out at Lakeside at the first hurdle on his debut this year.

He struggled to contain his nerves at the famous sporting venue and lost 3-0 to the experienced Dave Prins,

The Welshman, who was listed 16th in the BDO rankings at the time, won his first leg at the eight time of asking and averaged 78.61 with three darts, compared to his Hartlepool rival's 86.56.