SIMON WHITLOCK has revealed that he is loving the McCoy's Premier League Darts this season - despite finding himself in the battle to avoid elimination.
The Australian was the runner-up in the 2012 Premier League and finished second on the table during the regular season.
The expansion to ten players this year has brought in the added danger of elimination for the bottom two following nine weeks, with a run of three straight losses for Whitlock seeing him amongst the players battling at that end of the table.
However, Whitlock had been pleased with his form despite recent results and claimed his second victory of the season in Nottingham last week with a 7-5 win over James Wade, setting up a crunch clash with 2009 Premier League champion James Wade in Manchester.
"This is the bees knees!" said Whitlock. "Some people want results to go other ways but I don't - I'm loving it.
"I've played well in the last few weeks, even when I've been beaten, and I had to play well last week to beat Wes.
"I was happy for Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson to win last week because we've got the best ten players in the world in this event and we want a close Premier League.
"Last week's win was very important because a couple of guys underneath me got wins too. It's given me a lot of confidence and I'm looking forward to playing James this week."
Tickets for Thursday's McCoy's Premier League Darts are still available from the Manchester Arena by calling 0844 847 8000 or visiting www.mcr-arena.com.
Coral Match Odds
Simon Whitlock v James Wade
6/4 – Simon Whitlock
7/2 - Draw
6/5 – James Wade
Coral are the official betting partner of the McCoy's Premier League Darts. All odds correct at 10am March 12 courtesy of www.coral.co.uk.
McCoy's Premier League Darts
Week Six
March 14 – Manchester Arena
Michael van Gerwen v Wes Newton
Adrian Lewis v Gary Anderson
Simon Whitlock v James Wade
Raymond van Barneveld v Robert Thornton
Phil Taylor v Andy Hamilton
Tickets: www.mcr-arena.com or 0844 847 8000