Whitlock Gaining Momentum

SIMON WHITLOCK feels this week's visit of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts to Exeter is his chance to build on his recent form.

Whitlock, the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship runner-up to Phil Taylor in the New Year, made a nightmare debut in the Premier League Darts with an 8-3 loss to the Stoke legend at The O2 last month.

However, he has since drawn with Terry Jenkins and defeated Raymond van Barneveld in Belfast last week - hitting eight from nine attempts at a double in an impressive 8-5 victory over the Dutchman.

Whitlock faces Ronnie Baxter when the Premier League Darts visits the Westpoint Arena on Thursday, and is hoping that a trip to the West Country will see him maintain his form.

"It was a dream come having such a fantastic run in the World Championship and then getting invited to play in the Premier League," said Whitlock.

"I didn't do myself justice in the first week but I'd only arrived in the UK a couple of days beforehand so I was a bit jet-lagged, and I've had a problem with my heel for six weeks or so.

"But the more weeks I get under my belt, the better I seem to be playing. My form's coming back now, which is good for me.

"Everything works together in terms of playing in the Premier League and also on weekends in the PDC's ProTour events, and the more I play the better I seem to get.

"I'm getting more confidence too, especially after Belfast. My finishing was great but I know I can score better so I'll try and work on that.

"I played well early on but start getting nervous when Raymond came back, he nearly hit a nine-darter and I was glad to get the win in the end. Hopefully I can make it easier on myself against Terry."

Whitlock's clash with Jenkins is one of four on the night at the Westpoint Arena, with reigning champion James Wade opening up against Adrian Lewis, Mervyn King facing Jenkins and Taylor meeting long-term rival van Barneveld.

Around 4,000 tickets have already been sold for the event, but a limited number remain on sale, priced at £20 and available on 0844 99 99 55 or from www.ticketzone.co.uk.

Fans outside of the UK and Ireland can watch the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts LIVE online in PDCtv - click here for more information

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week Four - Westpoint Arena, Exeter

James Wade v Adrian Lewis
Ronnie Baxter v Simon Whitlock
Mervyn King v Terry Jenkins
Raymond van Barneveld v Phil Taylor
Tickets: 0844 99 99 55 or www.ticketzone.co.uk