DEFIANT Simon Whitlock is confident of being a major threat in 2016 despite suffering a heartbreaking early exit in the World Championship on Saturday.
Whitlock had looked to be coasting to victory against Ricky Evans and was just one leg away from a second round spot when he led by two sets and two legs.
But the 2010 finalist missed two match darts before Evans launched an unbelievable comeback, eventually ending The Wizard’s hopes in a tie-break by finishing 130 with Whitlock waiting on tops.
“I’m absolutely gutted and I’m nearly in tears,” revealed the world number ten. “I have practised so hard for this and I had my heart set on going far and getting in the Premier League so it really hurts.
“It took something really special to beat me but it ripped my heart out. I’m actually playing some really good darts again. I believe that I’m still one of the best players in the world.
“I believe in the changes I’ve made and I am going to be a massive threat next year. I’m going to practise harder than ever and even though I lost I’ve got loads of positives to take out of that.
“I’ve been playing this game for over thirty years and I believe in my ability and I’m going to have a huge year next year.”