Betway Premier League Birmingham Preview

REIGNING Betway Premier League champion Raymond van Barneveld and in-form Adrian Lewis are bidding to take a giant leap towards winning Play-Off places when they double up at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on Thursday.

The race to secure semi-final spots at The O2 in three weeks' time intensifies on Thursday as van Barneveld and Lewis double up in Birmingham - with both players knowing that they can end the night inside the top four.

The pair sit a point behind Phil Taylor, who currently occupies fourth spot, but have a game in hand which they make up in Birmingham - meaning that they can take the lead in the race for Play-Off places.

Van Barneveld takes on World Champion Gary Anderson in his opening clash in Birmingham, before returning to play Lewis later in the night, and after winning his last three matches is in confident mood.

"This week is going to be a very tough night, but I still think I can make it into the top four," said van Barneveld. "I've got Gary first and then Adrian and I can't wait.

"I'm happy and I believe in my game - there's no doubt about my set-up any more, it's fine. For many years I changed things but the set-up is fine and I can keep everyone under pressure.

"I feel fantastic and I'm loving being on the stage again. For the last three or four weeks I've been playing amazing darts and this is an important week for me."

Third-placed Anderson could seal a Play-Off place if he defeats van Barneveld in their meeting - having drawn with the Dutchman on Judgement Night as the reigning champion survived in the tournament.

"I tried my hardest when I played Barney [on Judgement Night] to put him out of the Premier League - I hit him with everything and he just kept coming back, and it was one of those nights," reflects Anderson.

"He's one of the most dangerous players you can play against and I had my chance to put him out - it might come back to haunt me!"

Lewis, meanwhile, takes on second-placed Dave Chisnall in the night's opening game before returning for his clash with van Barneveld, and admits: "Every game now is going to be a massive match, a final.

"I've got Chizzy and Barney and it's a massive week for me. I haven't lost now in the last four weeks and I'm trying to build on the performances I've had in previous weeks and get the job done."

Taylor, meanwhile, takes on league leader Michael van Gerwen as he bids to continue his push for a Play-Off place - but admits that draws with Stephen Bunting and Lewis in his last two games have been frustrating.

"My form's coming, it's climbing steadily," said Taylor. "My scoring's okay, not brilliant yet, but it's coming on - but I'm still making mistakes and I can put that right now.

"My doubles have got to improve now, I've got no choice. I'm throwing silly points away - I did it against Stephen Bunting and against Adrian Lewis - and I shouldn't be doing it, not with my experience.

"I've just got to get my head down and get stuck in. The two points could be massive."

Van Gerwen, meanwhile, secured his qualification for the Play-Offs last week with a whitewash of James Wade only to then lose out to Anderson, and he is looking to bounce back against the 16-time World Champion.

"I'm excited by it," he said. "Me and Phil always play well against each other and he's been getting back to his best in the last couple of weeks.

"We all know we can score well but you have to hit the right doubles at the right moments - I'm feeling confident and I won the last time we played, so I want to beat him again."

The night's other game sees Bunting taking on 2009 Premier League champion James Wade, and with the pair three points adrift of the Play-Off places with three games remaining, the former Lakeside Champion admits it is a must-win contest.

"I've never been out of the mix and I'll never give in," said Bunting. "I don't even look at the table now, I just need to win my remaining games.

"I know I can do it and it's going to be another hard game against James. I'll go to the end, and hopefully I'll qualify for London - that's the plan."

Thursday's league night is the last where players compete twice on the evening, with the remaining events in Newcastle and Brighton featuring four games before the top four players progress to compete in the Play-Offs on May 21.

Tickets for Thursday's Betway Premier League at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham are still available by calling 0844 338 8000 or online via www.theticketfactory.com.

Betway Premier League
Night 13, Thursday April 30
The Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham
Dave Chisnall v Adrian Lewis
Raymond van Barneveld v Gary Anderson
James Wade v Stephen Bunting
Michael van Gerwen v Phil Taylor
Adrian Lewis v Raymond van Barneveld
Tickets: 0844 338 8000 or www.theticketfactory.com

Betway Odds
Week 13 Match Odds
6/4 Dave Chisnall
7/2 Draw
6/5 Adrian Lewis

2/1 Raymond van Barneveld
4/1 Draw
5/6 Gary Anderson

6/5 James Wade
7/2 Draw
6/4 Stephen Bunting

5/6 Michael van Gerwen
4/1 Draw
2/1 Phil Taylor

6/5 Adrian Lewis
7/2 Draw
6/4 Raymond van Barneveld

Outright Tournament Winner Odds
11/10 Michael van Gerwen
4/1 Gary Anderson
9/2 Phil Taylor
8/1 Dave Chisnall
12/1 Adrian Lewis
16/1 Raymond van Barneveld
25/1 James Wade
66/1 Stephen Bunting
For other bets and special offers, visit www.betway.com. Odds above correct at time of writing and may be subject to change.

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