MATT Clark is banking on the Blackpool factor to help him through a tough first round assignment against Roland Scholten at the World Matchplay on Monday afternoon.

The darts ace, who now lives in the Bolton area and plays in the local leagues, will step up to the oche with a spring in his step because of the unique atmosphere that the Winter Gardens generates.

The 40-year-old, who went out in the first round of the Las Vegas Desert Classic to Raymond van Barneveld a fortnight ago, has been handed a tough draw once again.

“Blackpool is my favourite tournament,” said Clark, who moved to Bolton from the south of England three years ago. “I even prefer it to the World Championships at the Circus Tavern because the atmosphere and the stage set-up are excellent.

“I have got another tough start though. I have played Roland a few times and he has always beaten me but I have given him some good matches.

“I had the opportunity to beat him in the World Championships but I was beaten in a play-off in the final set.

“I would like to think that he knows he is in for a tough game. I used to play pairs with Roland in the BDO and we both know each other’s game really well.”

If Clark does get past Scholten he will play either Peter Manley or Denis Ovens in the next round of the 32-player event. However, neither player holds any fears for the man nicknamed ‘Superman’.

“If I can beat Roland there is nobody I will play in the second round that I am afraid of,” said Clark.

“If I won that game I would probably play (defending champion) James Wade in the quarter-final.

“I beat James the last time I played him so, even though he is one of the best in the world, I would be confident.”

Clark is third on the stage, with Dennis Priestley and Adrian Gray kicking-off the session at 1pm.