Following his best performance of the Premier League Darts season during defeat to Phil Taylor last week, Simon Whitlock is confident heading into this week’s clash with another multiple world champion, Raymond van Barneveld.
The Waterlooville-based Aussie takes on the Dutchman at the Westpoint Arena in Exeter and is looking forward to the challenge.
Whitlock started the season in style defeating world champion, Adrian Lewis, in the first round of games and has shown good form despite narrow defeats to Gary Anderson in Aberdeen and Taylor in Bournemouth.
“I’m pleased with my start to the Premier League this year, although of course I would like to have more points on the board,” said Whitlock. “Gary scored heavily and had the crowd behind him, whereas Phil seemed to get to the double one dart ahead of me.
“The crowds have been amazing so far and I’m looking forward to another cracking atmosphere when I take to the stage in Exeter.”
This year the format for the Premier League has changed, meaning two players drop out after just nine weeks and Whitlock is aware of the danger.
He added: “Everyone is capable of beating each other, so this year I’m expecting a real fight to avoid the bottom two places after nine games and then finishing in the top four in May.
“This gives me something to aim for every week and this week I’ll be aiming to knock Barney down a place or two in the table and put myself right back among the leading pack.”
Whitlock was runner-up in the Premier League last year and will be aiming to finish in the top four at the end of the 14-week group stages to once again book his place at finals night in London in May.
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC – Copy courtesy of Leyland Paints