Simon Whitlock is hoping to achieve a double target in the double start format in next week’s World Grand Prix.
Whitlock’s primary aim is to enjoy an extended run in Dublin, a tournament where he reached the quarter-finals last year.
And the 45-year-old Wizard of Oz is hoping that goes hand-in-hand with a return to the top four in the world rankings, where he trails fourth placed Peter Wright by just £150.
“It’s a really big week for me and hopefully I can rise to the challenge,” said Whitlock, who is based in Waterlooville and sponsored by leading trade paint manufacturer Leyland Paints.
“Getting back in the top four is a big aim for me and there is very little difference between myself and Peter in the rankings at the moment.
“The double start format is something I enjoy so hopefully I can perform as I can and go a long way in the tournament.”
Whitlock – who reached the semi-finals of the World Matchplay and final of the Singapore Masters this summer – faces a first round match against Welshman Richie Burnett on Tuesday evening and knows he is heading into a crucial part of the darting year.
“2014 didn’t start brilliantly for me but I feel as though my form has been coming back throughout the year and I’m happy with where my game is now,” he added.
“There are five more television tournaments before the end of the year, including the World Championships, and I’m ready to try and make a big impression over the next three months.
“If I can have a good run at Blackpool, it would really set me up for the rest of the year.”
This article is courtesy of Leyland Paints.
Whitlock will be joined at the World Matchplay by fellow Leyland Paint ambassador Michael van Gerwen, current world champion and world number one, while former world champion Mark Webster is also part of ‘Team Leyland.’
Leyland Paints was founded in 1922 and has a long and distinguished history of affordable, trade quality paints.