Simon Whitlock has his sights set on clinching his first PDC major title, when he competes in the McCoy’s Premier League Play-Offs at London’s O2 Arena on Thursday night.
Whitlock faces the player who denied him a second Ladbrokes World Championship final appearance in January, Andy Hamilton, in the semi-finals, with the winner taking on either Phil Taylor or James Wade to claim the prestigious title.
Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC
‘The Wizard’ reached the semi-finals of the Premier League two years ago, and wants to go even further this time, after qualifying for the Play-Offs in second place.
He said: “I set myself goals and I’ve achieved the first one, but the job’s not done yet – I want to make the final and win it.
“I was a bit unlucky when I lost in the semis two years ago; James (Wade) pulled out one big finish which hurt me, and I still haven’t forgotten that. Hopefully I can make up for that now.
“The McCoy’s Premier League this year has been the hardest ever so I am delighted to be part of, and very proud to be in the semi-finals. The next step is to win it.
“The 8-0 defeat to James Wade was probably a big turning point for me because I bounced back from that and won three games in a row.
“I’ve changed something on my darts again; just the shafts and I feel really confident with them. They are landing at the right angles now.
“I feel like I can win it. I think I am playing well enough at the moment and I’m feeling really good within myself.”
Both semi-finals will be the best of 15 legs, with the triumphant players preparing for a best of 19 battle in the final.
By Chris Murphy
See Simon Whitlock in action in Grimsby on Friday 1st June / Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday 2nd June