DARYL GURNEY is relishing the chance to play World Champion Rob Cross in front of his home crowd as the Unibet Premier League visits The SSE Arena in Belfast on Thursday.
World Grand Prix champion Gurney will be the star attraction as the Premier League makes its annual visit to Northern Ireland, making his first TV appearance in his home country.
Having drawn four matches in the early weeks of the Premier League, Gurney claimed his maiden victory by defeating Mensur Suljovic 7-3 in Glasgow last Thursday.
He will now step out in his home Premier League event for the clash with World Champion Cross, and is eager to test himself against the sport's newest superstar.
"I can't wait to play in Belfast," said Gurney. "As soon as we get picked, the first thing we look forward to is playing in front of our home crowd and I hope the place is bouncing.
"I'm glad that I got the win last week instead of putting it off for another week.
"I'm looking forward to playing Rob, I want to play the best and beat the best and he's World Champion, so I can't wait."
Gurney's win over Suljovic eased his fears of being eliminated from the Premier League on Judgement Night, moving him two points clear of the Austrian and Peter Wright in the table.
The 32-year-old admitted that he was relieved to finally get over the winning line, admitting: "It's a monkey off my back.
"I'm number five in the world and there are a lot of people I've drawn against and probably haven't played my best against.
"Every time I've had a draw I've been in front, so I was just glad to get a win.
"It means so much to me because I want to be here for the whole 16 weeks, not just to make up the numbers. I've had to be patient and it came to the fore on Thursday with the two ton-plus finishes.
"My scoring has been up there but my finishing percentage has probably been down at the bottom so I know what's wrong. Hopefully with a bit more confidence around doubles I can get another win.
"I'll keep on fighting - I don't give up and that's probably what keeps me going.
"Every time I've had a draw I've been in front, so hopefully whenever I get to six again I can possibly get the win!"
The Unibet Premier League will be at The SSE Arena on Thursday March 29. For tickets, call 028 9073 9074 or visit www.ssearenabelfast.com.
Unibet Premier League
Night Eight - March 29
The SSE Arena, Belfast
Mensur Suljovic v Gary Anderson
Michael Smith v Gerwyn Price
Raymond van Barneveld v Michael van Gerwen
Daryl Gurney v Rob Cross
Simon Whitlock v Peter Wright
Tickets via www.ssearenabelfast.com and 028 9073 9074
Tickets priced at £45/£39 and £25.50 including booking fee