JOHN PART admits his Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts play-off hopes could hinge on his double-header in Exeter on Thursday.
Three-time World Champion Part will play twice when the tournament visits the Westpoint Arena for the first time, after Wayne Mardle was forced to pull out of this week's league night due to a virus.
Part will open proceedings against Mervyn King in Exeter before returning to the stage for the night's final match, against Jelle Klaasen.
A defeat to Raymond van Barneveld last week left Part two points behind the Dutchman in the race for play-off places, but he hopes to move into the top four with two wins on Thursday.
"Realistically, my season's hopes lie with the nights results," said Part. "It will be a challenge.
"Playing one game is always tough in any case, but I'll take them one at a time and adjust my thoughts appropriately for the second match.
"The opportunity to gain four points in one night could have a great impact on my competition."
Part lost 8-2 to King when the pair last met, and had his sights set on a better display in their scheduled fixture before the addition of a second match.
"The game with Mervyn was always important," added Part. "His form seems to reflect the grind of the Premier League and he still seems to be producing wins, which is the main thing for him."
Klaasen came from 5-1 down to claim a point in his previous clash with the Canadian, hitting a 170 in taking the draw - but Part denies it was a point lost.
"I didn't let him in, he stormed back," he said. "It should be a fun game regardless of the first result of the night, and I'll look forward to it."
King took an 8-3 win in his clash with James Wade in Glasgow last week, but believes he will have to improve to claim a Premier League double over Part.
"I was just a little bit better than James on the night but it was another two points," said King. "I've got to score like I normally do, and I didn't do that against James.
"John's finding some form and if I don't take a point from the match things could start to get a bit dicey.
"It's looking pretty at the moment but it only takes a couple of weeks where you don't do it to be under pressure."
Although the event was announced as sell-out earlier this week, a very limited number of tiered seat tickets have become available and been released for sale by the promoters.
These tickets, priced £20, can be purchased from the Westpoint Arena Box Office on 08705 321 321.
Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week Ten - Westpoint Arena, Exeter
John Part v Mervyn King
Phil Taylor v Terry Jenkins
James Wade v Raymond van Barneveld
John Part v Jelle Klaasen
Live on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports HD2 from 7pm
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