Determined Simon Whitlock is relishing the prospect of being in one of the toughest groups at this year’s Grand Slam of Darts – and believes it could spark a return to peak form.
Australia’s Whitlock has struggled to mark an impact in televised tournaments over the last month.
He has been drawn in a demanding group F for the round robin stage of the Grand Slam alongside fellow Premier League star Peter Wright, Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan and Michael Smith, who knocked Phil Taylor out of the World Championships last Christmas.
Only the top two qualify for the knockout stages, but Whitlock is confident he can progress in Wolverhampton.
“It’s one of the hardest groups in the draw but I’m pretty pleased with it,” said Whitlock.
“We are all good players and it’s going to be a case of who performs best on each of the days.
“It’s a great challenge for me and one I’m relishing and hopefully it will bring out the best in me.”
Whitlock is confident he is close to returning to top form and is eyeing a strong performance in the three remaining majors this year, the Grand Slam, the Players Championship Finals and the World Championships.
“I don’t feel as though I have performed too badly in the matches I’ve lost,” added the 45-year-old Wizard of Oz.
“Most of them have been close matches which I’ve just been on the wrong side of. I will keep plugging away and one or two results will make a huge difference and give me a big confidence boost.”
Article provided by leading trade paint manufacturer Leyland Paints.
Whitlock forms part of an all-star darting ‘Team-Leyland’ with current world number one Michael van Gerwen, who is also in action in Wolverhampton, and former world champion Mark Webster also both sponsored by Leyland Paints.
Leyland Paints was founded in 1922 and has a long and distinguished history for affordable trade quality paints. For further information, go to www.leylandtrade.com