MERVYN KING is looking to restrict Simon Whitlocks chances when the pair clash in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts on Thursday.
King sits second in the league table going into the seventh game of this season's campaign, where he takes on the Australian at Birmingham's NIA.
Whitlock has developed a reputation as a clinical finisher in recent months, although he has the lowest average of the eight Premier League players after failing to match his rivals' high scoring so far.
"I've known Simon for a long time and he's a great player," said King. "He's a great finisher and if he's scoring as well as he's finishing then you've got problems.
"He finishes so well because he only practises on doubles, not on trebles, and if he's off his scoring then you've got to get ahead of him and take your chances. If you don't and he's on a shot out then he won't miss."
King was the runner-up in last year's Premier League and remains on course for this season's play-offs following a strong opening to the campaign.
"I look forward to every game because it's a fantastic league," said King. "There are eight superb players in it and I will enjoy it on Thursday night against Simon."
King drew for a second successive week when he let Raymond van Barneveld hit back from 6-3 and 7-5 down to grab a point, and he is looking to put the frustration behind him in Birmingham.
"I don't really know what went wrong later in the game," he added. "I had my chances but didn't take them and paid the price.
"I still took a point from the game and that's better than a loss - but it's not as good as the two I should have had from 6-3 up. That's darts and it's my own fault."
Tickets for the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts at the NIA in Birmingham on Thursday are still available, priced at £20 and on sale on 0844 338 8000 or from www.theticketfactory.com.
Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week Seven - NIA, Birmingham
Mervyn King v Simon Whitlock
James Wade v Terry Jenkins
Raymond van Barneveld v Ronnie Baxter
Adrian Lewis v Phil Taylor
Tickets: 0844 338 8000 or www.theticketfactory.com
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