Scott Williams sets out on the road to glory in the Paddy Power World Darts Championship

Scott Williams is hoping to recreate some unbelievable memories when he returns to the Paddy Power World Championship stage tonight (Thursday).

The Swineshead darts ace gets his campaign underway at the Alexandra Palace when he takes on Niko Springer in a first round clash.

Williams plays in the third game of the evening session and will be looking to set out on another amazing adventure.

He reached the semi-finals last year before bowing out to eventual winner Luke Humphries after a terrific run which saw him oust former world champion Michael van Gerwen en-route to the last four.

Williams, speaking to Online Darts, said: "The memories from last year are unbelievable. It was so good.

"Luke Littler was the big story of the tournament but, out of everyone else, I was the big guy.

"I do like to be in the limelight and do stuff to make myself known but what Luke has done for the sport has just elevated it ten-fold.

"I'm just looking forward to getting back on the stage and giving it a go."

Williams - who still plays occasionally for the Green Dragon in the Pinchbeck and District League - faces a tricky test in his opener.

He did beat Springer on the European Tour this year but lost to the German in the same competition 12 months earlier.

Williams commented: "He's a very capable player and it will be a feisty game because he's someone who gives it a bit as well.

"I'm not backing down on that stage though. I respected Luke Humphries far too much in the semi-final last year to give anything to any game.

"I didn't do what I did in every other game and I've got to be ruthless because it's my life and livelihood up there and I can't care about anyone else for those 45 or so minutes."

The incentive for Williams in the next round is a tantalising tussle with former world champion Rob Cross who is a close friend and practice partner of the 34-year-old.

He said: "It will be a tough one to play.

"When we played a few years ago, we showed each other too much respect.

"We know what is going to happen this time. We've had a bit of a team talk and said that the stage is the stage and we've each got to do what we have to do."

Williams' exploits at the World Championship last year saw him rise up the rankings but he is currently 37th in the Professional Darts Corporation Order of Merit after an indifferent campaign.

However, he reached the quarter-finals of the Players Championship last month and a switch to a softer-tipped dart has boosted Williams' hopes.

He explained: "My form has been ok.

"I've actually won more games than I did last year but the problem is that everyone around me in the same situation was just that little bit better.

"I'm just not stepping up which I should be doing because I know that I am good enough.

"It's so tough and there's that extra gear which you have to switch up to.

"The change of tip is going ok at the moment and I just feel more in control of the dart. I feel back to where I should be."

If Williams progresses to the second round, he will play Cross in the fourth match of Monday's evening session.