DARYL GURNEY is eyeing back-to-back Unibet Premier League victories over Michael van Gerwen in Manchester to keep his Play-Off hopes alive.
Gurney was the sole winner on Night 13 in Birmingham on Thursday as he claimed a vital 8-4 victory over Peter Wright, but the Northern Irishman remains two places outside the top four heading into Night 14 in Manchester - with tickets still available for what promises to be a special night at The Manchester Arena.
Time is running out for the world number four to work his way into the Play-Off spots with just three regular season games remaining in this year's incredibly-tight Premier League, and Gurney is hoping to replicate his triumph over Van Gerwen in Berlin back on Night Seven when the pair face off next Thursday.
"When you play Michael it's an easy game to work out mentally because you know unless you're playing your 'A+ game' then you're going to lose, so I'll go up there feeling relaxed," said Gurney, who defeated Van Gerwen to claim his second televised title at the Players Championship Finals in November 2018.
"Michael knows I can beat him and I'm sure he's wary of that but all he wants to do is smash up every dart player there is.
"Thursday against Peter was definitely an important win for me. I knew that a draw wouldn't have been good enough and thankfully I got the two points.
"Unless I beat Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith and get at least a draw against Van Gerwen then I don't think I'll qualify for the Play-Offs.
"When I look back at this Premier League season I think the game against Mensur in Cardiff last week could be the once that costs me because I threw away two points there and he punished me.
"At the start of the year I said 2019 will be my best year in darts and so far it's probably been a better start than any other year, so hopefully that continues now and I can keep the pressure on Gary Anderson and Rob Cross above me in the rankings."
Night 13 of the Unibet Premier League in Manchester will be shown live on Sky Sports, worldwide through the PDC's broadcast partners, and through video.pdc.tv for Rest of the World Subscribers.
Tickets for Thursday's Unibet Premier League at The Manchester Arena are still available and can be purchased through 0844 249 1000 or through this link.
Hospitality Packages can be purchased through Sport and Music at this link.
Unibet Premier League
Night 14 - Thursday May 2
The Manchester Arena
Rob Cross v Michael Smith
Peter Wright v Mensur Suljovic
Daryl Gurney v Michael van Gerwen
James Wade v Gerwyn Price
Tickets: 0844 249 1000 or click here
Hospitality Packages can be purchased through Sport and Music at this link.
