STUART Kellett enters next week’s Coral UK Open at the second round stage next week, when he will take on world number 70 Michael Barnard.

The Northwich ace is scheduled to be on stage at the Butlins Minehead Resort on Friday afternoon, when the victor’s reward is a head-to-head with Terry Jenkins later the same day.

Kellett, 32, reached the last 32 of the 2013 edition before bowing out 9-3 to Dutch ace Jelle Klaasen.

He has climbed to number 31 in the Professional Darts Corporation Order of Merit since the start of the calendar year following a run to the last 16 at the Dutch Masters, which included a notable success against world number three Simon Whitlock.

The UK Open’s televised finals have a new home this year at the Somerset venue, with eight stages in action simultaneously during the competition’s first three rounds.

Coral UK Open
Friday, March 7
Round Two (afternoon session, 11.45-1700)
Stage Seven
Michael Barnard v Stuart Kellett

Round Three (evening session, 1900-2300)
Stage Three
Terry Jenkins v Michael Barnard or Stuart Kellett

The fourth round draw takes place on Friday evening