Simon Whitlock is eyeing one of his career highlights as he prepares for a nail-biting three-way battle for the final Premier League Darts play-off spot in Newcastle on Thursday.
Michael van Gerwen, Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld have already booked their place in the play-off finals at the O2 Arena in London on May 16, with Whitlock, James Wade and Robert Thornton now contesting the final spot at the Metro Radio Arena.
After narrowly surviving relegation on Judgement Night a month ago, Whitlock has been on a scintillating run of form which has seen him notch four victories from the last five games.
And he is hoping that will be enough for him to sneak in to the top four.
“The standard has been so high this season so to finish in the top four would be one of the best achievements, particularly because I was a little way behind a few weeks ago,” said Whitlock, of Waterlooville.
“I’m proud of the way I have stuck at it and it means the world to me that I’ve given myself a chance in the final week.
“The three of us in contention are going to be under a lot of pressure and it’s going to be a case of who can handle that the best.”
Wade currently holds fourth spot but plays just one game in Newcastle – against 16-times world champion Phil Taylor – while Whitlock and Thornton are both in action twice.
Whitlock takes on Adrian Lewis and Raymond van Barneveld and knows two victories will give him an excellent chance of qualifying for the play-offs. He is currently two points adrift of Wade and just one behind Thornton.
“All I can do is take care of my own games and try and get the two wins,” he added.
“I will fight all the way in Newcastle and hopefully that will be enough.”
Whitlock takes on Lewis in the third game on Thursday before going head-to-head with van Barneveld in the final match.
This article is courtesy of Simon Whitlock’s sponsors LEYLAND PAINTS