JOE Murnan is set to take a seat at the top table of darts after enjoying a dramatic turnaround in fortunes this year, writes Ben Collins.

The Bolton thrower lost his PDC Tour card at the end of 2014 but that setback inspired him to revive his career.

The 32-year-old from Halliwell changed his approach to the game and now he is reaping the benefits.

A stunning run of form saw him win three events this summer and qualify for his first televised event, the World Matchplay in July.

Murnan then finished the season in the top 64, ensuring he has won back his Tour card for 2016, and he earned enough prize money to qualify for the World Championships for the first time.

He will also play at the Players Championships Finals this month and last week earned a three-year contract with darts manufacturer Target.

The deal sees Murnan join the same stable as some of the game's top names, with Target providing him with equipment, shirt sponsorship and financial support.

“I'm absolutely delighted to have joined the team at Target,” he said.

“To have my name featured alongside players such as Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis, Dave Chisnall and Stephen Bunting really tops off what has been a fantastic year for me.

“I'm going to be working closely with Steve Reed, who has analysed my throwing action and will be producing a dart personal to myself.

“It is great that Target have recognised my potential and have supported me with a three-year contract.”

It's been a case of two steps forward after one step back for Murnan, as his turnaround began in December, shortly after losing his Tour card for 2015.

He used that blow as motivation to knuckle down, to practice more, and that new approach has propelled him back up the world rankings.

"It has given me an extra drive to push myself forward and get that tour card back,” Murnan explained.

“I wanted to prove myself, to show everyone that I am good enough, and that's what probably inspired me - having that attitude to never quit.

“I've started taking it more seriously since December and I've dedicated myself to practice. Now I'm being strict with it and I practice on weekends, when I never used to.”

Murnan admits he 'lives and breathes' darts as his day job is with Bolton-based company Darts Corner, who are the biggest online darts company in the UK.

“It's really busy,” he said. “People think you practice all day but I don't get a minute when I'm there!

“I work 8-5 and I have two kids so I spend time with them before they go to bed at 8.

“Then I practice from 8-10.30 and then bed. Every day's like groundhog day. But that's what you've got to do to get up there.”

And Murnan is now doing just that after winning a Players Championship event in May before winning twice on the Challenge Tour.

That saw him secure a place at the Players Championship Finals at Minehead from November 27-29, live on ITV Sport, where he faces Dave Chisnall in the first round.

Then Murnan will walk onto the biggest stage of them all at the World Championships in December, which is shown on Sky Sports.

“It's the best run I've ever had in my career, I'm pushing up the rankings now and I've managed to get my tour card back because of it,” he said.

“If you get a bit of success then you reap other benefits. Everything seems to be going in the right direction, people begin to notice you and, before you know it, you're up there with the best. That's what I'm aiming for anyway.

“It’s a dream come true for me to qualify for the World Darts Championships – and I've done it without a tour card,” Murnan added.

“The hard work I’ve been putting in on the practice board and the support from my partner, Emma, has certainly paid dividends.

“First I’ve got to focus on the Players Championship Finals. Chizzy is a friend off the oche – but we will be the best of enemies on it!”

Having started playing darts when his dad bought him his first board at the age of 10, Murnan ultimately hopes to go full-time and win a Major.

But with fame comes demand for personal appearances. He will be hosting his first darts exhibition this Friday and joked he may need something to calm his nerves.

Murnan said: “I've done bits and bobs of exhibition stuff in the past but it's the first one I've done on my own so I'll have to have a few pints before I do it!

“I'm going to try a few different things that other dart players haven't done so we'll see what happens.”

The event will be held at the Toll Bar Inn in Horwich, starting at 8pm with free entry.