ADRIAN LEWIS will put friendship aside when he faces Stoke rival Ian White in The Unibet Masters in Milton Keynes on Saturday.
The two-time World Champion is a long-term practice partner of White's and had encouraged the former News of the World Championship finalist to move onto the PDC circuit five years ago.
White has since moved into the PDC's top 16 with victories in his first three ranking events over the past two years, and makes his Unibet Masters debut in Saturday afternoon's clash.
The world number 13 actually won his only previous televised clash with Lewis 6-0 in the 2012 European Championship's first round, but the reigning UK Open champion is aiming to get the upper hand at ArenaMK.
"We've had some great battles and he's a quality player," said Lewis. "He's got a lovely rhythm to his throw, and he's a very tough competitor, so I've got to be on my guard.
"I've known Ian for a lot of years and I first sponsored him to come over to the PDC circuit and he's a good mate - but when I play him tomorrow there's no friends on the oche!"
Lewis' last competitive appearance had seen him land a nine-dart finish in defeat to Raymond van Barneveld at the World Championship, with the 30-year-old having since enjoyed an exhibition tour in New Zealand.
"My form's really good and I'm looking forward to the year ahead," said Lewis. "I can't wait to get back playing again.
"I've had a visit to New Zealand and I missed another nine-darter on double 12 while I was over there - that would have been nice for the fans in New Zealand if it had gone in.
"I really enjoyed it over there and it was good match practice for me ahead of this because I think my form's fantastic."
Lewis and White form half of the Stoke-based contingent in the weekend's ITV4-televised event, with 2013 Masters winner Phil Taylor taking on Terry Jenkins in his first round clash and Andy Hamilton up against new World Champion Gary Anderson.
The £200,000 tournament, featuring the world's top 16, concludes on Sunday with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final at ArenaMK in Milton Keynes.