DARYL GURNEY hasn't given up hope on his dream of reaching the Unibet Premier League Play-Offs after his win over Simon Whitlock in Rotterdam.
The Northern Irish star is enjoying a strong Premier League debut on the back of his World Grand Prix triumph last October, and sits in fifth place going into the remaining three weeks.
Gurney took seven matches to taste victory for the first time in the Premier League but has racked up an impressive 13 points going into his final three games of the campaign.
Ahead of Thursday's tie with Michael van Gerwen at The Manchester Arena, the world number five believes a top-four place is still within reach despite being three points adrift of Michael Smith, who plays twice in Manchester.
"I haven't given up, but Michael’s got one more game to play than me so it's hard to judge," said Gurney, who faces Smith and Peter Wright in his final two games.
"I'm not going to wish that he gets beaten in his two games, but he needs to get beaten for me to have a chance - and the way he's playing, the way he's finishing, he's too consistent at the minute.
"I don't see him getting beaten that night as he plays two games."
Gurney suffered defeats to Rob Cross and Gary Anderson in Rotterdam before his 7-1 triumph over Whitlock saw him get back to winning ways.
Following a tricky start to his Premier League campaign, the Northern Irishman is happy with his recovery over the recent weeks which has kept him in contention to play at The O2 on May 17.
"Fifth would be a good start for the first time I've played in the Premier League but I needed to win that game to keep my hopes alive," Gurney added.
Tickets for the Unibet Premier League's visit to The Manchester Arena on Thursday April 26 are still available, and can be purchased via www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 847 8000.
Unibet Premier League
Night 13 - April 26
The Manchester Arena
Peter Wright v Michael Smith
Daryl Gurney v Michael van Gerwen
Simon Whitlock v Gary Anderson
Raymond van Barneveld v Rob Cross
Michael Smith v Michael van Gerwen
Tickets via www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 847 8000