MATT DENNANT admits having the backing of Unicorn has given him the belief to go up a level in the sport. 

The World No.71 is making rapid strides on the oche but knows he can deliver much more in his bid to move up the rankings. 

Dennant, 33, beat Rowby-John Rodriguez before losing out to eventual winner Martin Schlinder in last week’s Austrian Open. But has his sights on breaking into the top 64. 

He revealed: “On the whole I think I’m playing some decent stuff, averages have been consistent. 

“We’re into year two of the tour card. The priority this year is to make it into the top 64 and retain it. 

“That’s all I’ve aimed at for now. To play as many games and see what I can do to achieve that status. Then you can reassess and look at new targets after that.

“I was a last minute call-up for Austria. I had a phone call at the early part of the week and was straight onto Steph Gilmour at Dunvegan to get flights organised.

“I looked at it as almost a free hit. I’d lost in a qualifying game anyway. It was a free shot and I wanted to see what I could do.

“It was nice to get the win because it had been something like seven years since I’d last got a victory on the Euro Tour. That was a monkey off my back.

“I didn’t play too well against Martin Schindler, he just didn’t miss and I probably started a bit too slow. But he was playing superb, as he proved by winning it!”

Dennant paid tribute to the tremendous backing from World Champion brands Unicorn and Dunvegan Darts management.

He added: “I’ve been with Tommy and Steph at Dunvegan for a few years. 

“The ambition was always to get the tour card. But when Jack (Dinning) got in touch from Unicorn and said they were interested, it was amazing. 

“To have the support from one of the most iconic brands in darts is massive. 

“The team have been brilliant in terms of my equipment and what I’m comfortable with. Plus they help with any requests, they’ve just been incredible. 

“It helps build confidence for me pushing forward. I’ve got one of the biggest brands and a massive management team backing me, believing in me.”