BDO World Champion Glen Durrant has joined rivals the PDC looking to become world number one.

After claiming his third Lakeside crown the Teessider has decided to join the main circuit and he has his eyes firmly set on the likes of world champion Michael van Gerwen.

“I leave the BDO with a heavy heart and all I ask is that they understand. This is a new challenge and to go with their blessing would mean an awful lot,” he said.

“Nobody can take away what I’ve done. I hope to do well in the PDC as the final chapter in my darting story, my darting life. I’m hoping it’s a seven year journey which starts right now. I’m really really excited.”

Bookmakers have priced up Durrant, with Coral making him 10/1 to land the PDC World title within five years.

“Glen Durrant has dominated the BDO circuit over the last three years and although we feel it will be difficult for him to have inmediate success with the PDC, we have already taken bets on him winning at the Ally Pally in the next five years,” said Coral’s John Hill.