Catford darts player Paul Amos has had a memorable year at the oche since turning pro 12 months ago.

Amos, nicknamed Moo Moo, gained his Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) tour card last year after progressing from qualifying school and being crowned Redtooth Darts’ national champion in 2012.

The 38-year-old married father of two is now ranked 81st in the world and has earned more than £7,500 in prize money during the last 12 months.

Along the way he has beaten former world champions John Part and Mark Webster, as well as top ten world-ranked players Dave Chisnall and Peter Wright, in his inaugural year.

Amos still works as a self-employed carpet fitter in London but manages to fit-in around three hours training a day, as well as attending tournaments around the country.

He said: “I think for my first year as a professional I’ve done pretty well.

“I was a little overawed to begin with playing against people you’ve admired for years.

“But you soon get used to it and at the end of the day you still want to beat them.”

He added: “I’ve been lucky enough to win games against some of the best players in the world.

“There is a good atmosphere on the tour and I get one well with quite a few of the players.

“Dave Chisnall and Peter Wright have been supportive and offered advice on life as a professional.”

Amos is now aiming to move up the world rankings in his second year on the PDC tour to automatically extend his career as a professional and avoid having to go back to qualifying school.

He explained: “The target is to now break into the top 64 in the world and keep my place on the tour.

“Qualifying school is a difficult place to go to for anyone, with 300 very good players competing for only a small number of places. I want to avoid going there again if I can.

“I think my game has come on miles during the last 12 months.

“You only improve by playing against the best players. You train harder, raise your game and player well when up against the top professionals in the world.

“I’m looking forward to the year ahead.”

Redtooth Darts remains open for pubs to enter throughout the year.

For more information, visit redtoothdarts.com, call 01246 813713 or follow redtoothdarts on Twitter.

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