Matt Wheeler often has a quiet laugh when he hears people talk about darts.

``Everyone thinks it is all about the bullseye,'' Wheeler said.

``People forget there is a lot more to darts and it is more than just a sport you play when you go to the pub and have a few drinks.''

The 27-year-old is one person you wouldn't want to challenge to a game of darts in a bar.

The Dean Park resident has just been selected to compete in the NSW team at the Australian Darts Championships in Geelong later this year, where he will attempt to win a berth in the Australian team to tour the US next year.

Known in the darts world as Matt ``Fuzzy'' Wheeler, the former Novocastrian is relishing his return to the dart board, after giving up the sport as a teenager.

``My mum used to play darts, so I have been throwing ever since I was a kid. But when I got a job I had to give it up,'' Wheeler said.

``When I returned to Sydney four years ago there was a spare spot in a team, so I thought I'd start playing again and have really enjoyed it.''

Wheeler's hard work and perseverance paid off at the recent NSW trials where he nailed the coveted 180 darts score on a regular basis.

In an average week, the truck driver practices at least three times and competitively throws in two premier darts leagues.

``You definitely need to work hard to stay at the top of your game, but a lot of it is natural,'' Wheeler said.

``I just step up and clear my head and pretend I am with my mates down at the pub. If you worry about what other people are doing you tend to miss your target, so I just try and concentrate on my own game and don't try too hard.

``Hopefully I can play well in Melbourne and be selected in the Australian team.''

Now that would be a bullseye.

Date : 08-05-2008