DARTS ace Rhian Griffiths can’t wait to make her second BDO World Championship appearance on Saturday when she goes head-to-head with three-time winner Lisa Ashton.

Welsh number one Griffiths, who now resides in Brynmawr, faces England’s reigning champion Ashton in the third match of the opening day's first session.

The last-16 encounter comes 12 months after St Clears-born Griffiths made her debut at the Lakeside event.

She played well in her first game but ended up losing to Russia’s three-time champion Anastasia Dobromyslova by two sets to one.

In 2017, Griffiths reached the English Classic final and semi-finals of the British Open, achievements that saw her climb to 11th in the world rankings.

That rise also resulted in Griffiths qualifying automatically for this year’s championship, which starts on Saturday and runs until Sunday, January 14.

Ahead of her showdown with 47-year-old Ashton, she said: “This is one big challenge against the defending champion at the home of darts.

“I’m incredibly excited. I’ve been practising hard and I’m ready to take to the Lakeside stage with confidence. Roll on this weekend!”

Griffiths, 37, added: “I’d like to thank Claire and Tariq (shirt sponsors) from Bluestone Sales & Lettings and Clearout UK for their fantastic support leading up to Saturday.

“Their support is very much appreciated.”

A GoFundMe page has been set-up for all darts fanatics who want to support Griffiths and be part of her team on the 2018 BDO tour.

Donations can be made by visiting gofundme.com/teamrhi or by calling Morgan Barrell on 01633 481781.