SIMON WHITLOCK is in positive mood ahead of the this weekend's Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB & Burger King, which kicks off August's World Series of Darts treble-header Down Under.
Top-ranked Australian star Whitlock will be amongst the 16-player field for the Auckland showpiece, which is taking place at the Trusts Arena from August 3-5.
Despite suffering a crushing 16-5 defeat to Peter Wright in the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay, the world number seven is full of optimism heading into this month's three World Series events.
I'm feeling fantastic on stage and I'm happy with the way I'm playing
"I'm absolutely looking forward to the three World Series events," said Whitlock, who reached the semi-finals of last year's Melbourne event.
"There were many positives to take from Blackpool, the way I kept fighting and had some good moments in all the matches I played.
"Even though I was well beaten by Peter, I'm feeling fantastic on stage and I'm happy with the way I'm playing.
"It means a lot for me to play in these events. I'm a proud Australian so it’s great to play in front of an Aussie crowd."
The Auckland Darts Masters will be held from August 3-5 at the Trusts Arena. For tickets, visit www.ticketek.co.cz.
The Melbourne Darts Masters will be held from August 10-12 at the Hisense Arena. For tickets, visit www.ticketek.com.au.
The Brisbane Darts Masters will be held from August 17-19 at the BCEC. For tickets, visit www.ticketek.com.au.
Auckland Darts Masters, presented by TAB & Burger King
Competing Players
PDC Representatives: Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright, Rob Cross, Gary Anderson, Simon Whitlock, Kyle Anderson, Michael Smith, Raymond van Barneveld
Oceanic Representatives: Corey Cadby, Cody Harris, Warren Parry, Haupai Puha, Tim Pusey, Tahuna Irwin, Mark McGrath, John Hurring
Melbourne Darts Masters
August 10-12, Hisense Arena, Melbourne, Australia
Competing Players
PDC Representatives: Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright, Rob Cross, Gary Anderson, Simon Whitlock, Kyle Anderson, Michael Smith, Raymond van Barneveld
Oceanic Representatives: Corey Cadby, Tim Pusey, Raymond Smith, Haupai Puha, Damon Heta, Mike Bonser, Ray O'Donnell, James Bailey
Brisbane Darts Masters
August 17-19, BCEC, Brisbane, Australia
Competing Players
PDC Representatives: Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright, Rob Cross, Gary Anderson, Simon Whitlock, Kyle Anderson, Michael Smith, Raymond van Barneveld
Oceanic Representatives: Corey Cadby, Tim Pusey, Raymond Smith, Mark Cleaver, Damon Heta, Gordon Mathers, Barry Gardner, Justin Thompson