DETA Hedman expects to have her work cut out as she begins her BDO World Darts Championship campaign.

The Oxfordshire county player and three-time finalist faces Rachna David at the Lakeside Country Club tonight.

Hedman suffered a shock first-round exit when beaten by Casey Gallagher in 2017.

But the World No 1, who won last weekend’s Basingstoke Open, is confident of victory.

She said: “I’m playing reasonably well.

“Last week, I wasn’t at my best early on, but beat Corrine Hammond in the final.”

Hedman added: “I played Rachna in the semi-final of the Turkey Open in about 2012 and she played amazingly well.

“On her day, she can beat the very best players.”

The 58-year-old is still searching for her first world title after being denied in three finals.

But Hedman is ready to bounce back from last year’s disappointment.

She said: “My aim is to win every event I play in.

“I played Aileen de Graaf and Lisa Ashton in those finals, so I know if I bring my A-game I can do it.

“People talk of a Lakeside jinx, but I’ve lost in three finals after leading all of them.

“I also lost two great first round matches to Lisa Ashton, and last year Casey played fantastic to beat me yet I missed many chances to win 2-0 – that’s darts.”

Hedman, from Witham, Essex, has been working 14-hour shifts at the Royal Mail in Chelmsford in order to play at the Championships.

But insists she will be ready to battle this evening.

The 58-year-old said: “It’s not ideal as we’re not allowed time off in December and early January.

“Hopefully I’m still awake by the time my match is on!”