TOM SYKES has got his sights set on going from forklifts to full-time oche star.

The Yorkshire hot prospect is ready to hit the big time after a sensational start to 2024 and signing for Unicorn.

Sykes, 31, is gunning for a PDC tour card but is already delivering glory for England and in the ADC, Modus and Challenge Tour.

The forklift driver said: “It’s definitely been a really good couple of months for me winning at Modus, just missing out in Champions Week final and then signing for Unicorn.

“It’s massive to be signed by Unicorn, I’ve used Unicorn products since I started playing.

“For them to approach me, sign me and go down there and meet everyone was good. It’s a massive company and the biggest name in darts.”

Sykes’ has taken the hard route to the top with 13 years of hard graft to reach the status of England captain.

He added: “I started playing in pubs when I was 18-years-old. I then progressed from pub level to county youth and then Yorkshire Men’s team. Now I’m captain and also playing for England.

“My goal is to be a full-time professional darts player. I want to be playing with the best, week-in, week-out and up there with the big boys.

“The target for the rest of this year is to work up towards Q-School next January and then hopefully I get my tour card for next year.

“I have to work to be able to afford to get to places like Portsmouth for the Modus League or to play for England in county.

“In the future I just want to be earning enough money from playing darts and being professional.

“I’ve been inspired by many players from Yorkshire like two-times world champ Scott Waites, John Boy Walton, Martin Atkins. I’ve played county with them all, they give you a lot of good advice as well. It’s good to talk to people who have been there and done it.

“I’ve got a full calendar, with the next ADC in Middlesbrough at the end of this month, England the month after and hopefully more Modus.”

Words by Phil Lanning.