DROITWICH arrowsmith Dave Honey continues to stride up the Professional Darts Players Association's (PDPA) rankings after reaching the quarterfinals of a major tournament over the weekend.

Honey moved up to 64 in the world rankings after reaching the final eight of the Stan James World Matchplay in Gibraltar.

On the way to the quarterfinals, where eventual finalist Terry Jenkins narrowly beat him, Honey beat two of the game's hottest young prospects, Wayne Jones and Adrian Lewis.

He said: "I was up against some of the best players around, but I knew I was playing well and had a chance.

"I was unlucky not to go even further, the matches between me and Terry were very close and the luck went with him.

"I'm still delighted to keep my good run of form going."

Honey started the tournament in the second round and whitewashed Darren Johnson 3-0.

In the third round he avenged his defeat at the World Championships in December, when he produced a dominant display to beat Lewis.

Lewis, protege of darts legend Phil Taylor, was never given a chance as Honey whitewashed him 3-0 and only dropped a handful of legs. In the last 16 Honey then despatched World Championship semi-finalist Jones 3-0 to set up a meeting with Jenkins.

Despite losing 3-1, Honey had several chances to win the sets, but missed doubles.

Honey's victor met his match in the finals when Dennis Priestly narrowly beat him 3-2.

He said: "Beating Adrian was great. I wanted revenge and he's under Phil Taylor's wing so he' s a good player."

Honey is set to compete in the Eastbourne International on February 4.