World number four Simon Whitlock has vowed to right the wrongs of 12 months ago as he prepares to return to Wolverhampton for the Grand Slam of Darts.
Despite winning two of his three group matches in 2012, Australian Whitlock exited the tournament at the round-robin stage after a 5-1 defeat to Dean Winstanley in his final game saw him eliminated on leg difference.
‘The Wizard’ returns to one of the showpiece events on the darting calendar, open to the elite stars from the PDC and BDO, in confident mood and determined to learn the lessons of that Winstanley setback.
“Last year I was hugely disappointed but it taught me a lesson that, even if you win your first two matches, you can take nothing for granted in terms of qualifying,” said the 43-year-old, who is now based in Waterlooville.
“Every leg is absolutely vital to your hopes of qualifying and I’m determined not to make the same mistakes as last year.
“It’s a fantastic tournament and always a brilliant atmosphere in Wolverhampton so I’m determined to have a good run.”
Whitlock has been drawn in group G alongside Wes Newton, Ross Smith and his fellow Leyland Paints ambassador Mark Webster.
“Every group looks a tough one and mine is no different,” added the 2012 European Champion.
“I’m going to go all out to win all three matches and then there is no danger of leg difference going against me.
Whitlock, who reached the quarter-finals of last week’s Masters tournaments, is in action during the opening session of the tournament on Saturday afternoon when he takes on Smith.