Determined Simon Whitlock is refusing to give up hope on securing his Premier League survival as he gears up for a crucial showdown with Wes Newton.
World number four Whitlock heads to Dublin for a must-win clash with Newton on Thursday.
Both players are battling to avoid relegation, with two players dropping out after next week’s action in Cardiff.
But Whitlock, who is based in Waterlooville, is hopeful he can still pull off a ‘great escape.’
“I’ve got two matches left before two players drop out and if I win them both then I think I will have a good chance of staying in,” said the Wizard of Oz.
“The match against Wes is a big one for both of us and I know that if I lose, there is no chance of me qualifying.
“I know how important it is and hopefully I can rise to the occasion with a big performance.”
Whitlock is taking heart from his last three performances which have seen him defeat Robert Thornton, draw with Dave Chisnall and suffer a narrow defeat to high-flying Peter Wright.
“The first few weeks were very tough because I wasn’t anywhere near 100 per cent health wise,” he added.
“That put me on the back foot but I’ve kept battling away and I still have a chance of getting through week nine.
“I need two big performances but I believe I can do it.”
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.