Simon Whitlock is hoping for the perfect pre-World Championship boost as he prepares to return to the televised darts stage this weekend.
‘The Wizard’ has qualified for the Players Championship Finals in Minehead this weekend – a tournament which will be shown live on ITV4.
The top 32 players from this year’s Pro Tour order of merit will go head-to-head in what is sure to be an excellent weekend of action.
And, with the World Championships at Alexandra Palace just over two weeks away, Whitlock knows there is a lot at stake in the Players Championship Finals, which begin on Friday.
“It’s a great field and a big tournament in its own right this weekend and it’s just made bigger by the World Championships being just around the corner,” said world number four Whitlock.
“Everyone wants to be peaking for that one so this is a massive tournament to make sure you are fully ready for Alexandra Palace.
“It’s the most important time of the darting year and I feel as though I’m going into it in pretty good shape.
“I’ve had the odd disappointment recently, particularly losing in the last 16 of the Grand Slam of Darts, but you are going to get the odd setback.
“My form during the year as a whole has been good so hopefully I can maintain that over the next few weeks.”
Whitlock has been handed a tough first round encounter against Justin Pipe, who is based in Taunton and will have the backing of the local support.
“Justin’s a very solid player and I know I will have to be at my best to get the result,” added 44-year-old Whitlock.