Excited Simon Whitlock is relishing his demanding start to the Premier League season as he prepares for part one of a world champion triple-header.
Australian Whitlock, who is now based in Waterlooville, is part of a 10-strong star-studded field competing in this year’s Premier League.
The 44-year-old will have to hit the ground running in the 15-week league format after being handed a challenging start to his fixtures. The Wizard of Oz faces three players with no less than 23 world titles between them in the opening three weeks.
Twice World Champion Adrian Lewis is Whitlock’s opponent at the Echo Arena in Liverpool this Thursday, with Raymond van Barneveld and Phil Taylor – who have won five and 16 world crowns respectively – on the agenda over the next fortnight.
“I’m excited more than worried about my first few fixtures,” said the World Championship semi-finalist and current world number three.
“Any time you play against the likes of Adrian, Raymond and Phil it’s a big game and to do it on a massive stage like the Premier League is something to really look forward to.
“If I play my best darts, I’m capable of beating anybody and that’s how I will be approaching these games.
“Adrian is a great player but it’s all going to come down to who performs best on the night.”
Whitlock narrowly missed out on an appearance in the end-of-season play-offs in 2013 and is determined to make it all the way to finals night in May this time around.
“The Premier League has 10 brilliant players this year and whoever finishes in the top four at the end of the 14 weeks will have really deserved it,” he added.
“I know I have the ability to finish in the top four and my world ranking backs that up.
“But I’ve got to get up on the oche and prove it and it’s really important I get off to a good start.”
Article courtesy of Simon Whitlock’s sponsor Leyland Paints.
Leyland Paints was founded in 1922 and has a long and distinguished history as a manufacturer and supplier of decorative paints, particularly targeted at tradesmen.
Whitlock’s fellow Premier League star and current world number one Michael van Gerwen, as well as former World Champion Mark Webster, are also sponsored by Leyland Paints.
The Betway Premier League Darts will be screened live on Sky Sports HD from February 6-May 22 2014. For tickets, visit www.pdc.tv.