SIMON WHITLOCK admits that missed doubles cost him dear in the 888.com Premier League Darts this season.
The Australian had been a semi-finalist on his debut in the competition in 2010, but finished this campaign three points behind fourth-placed Adrian Lewis last Thursday.
Whitlock had sat in the Play-Off places after winning five out of seven games in mid-season - including hitting a 108 average against Raymond van Barneveld in Aberdeen - but paid the price for a late spell which saw him only pick up one point from his final five matches.
A defeat to Phil Taylor in Newcastle last week, allied to Adrian Lewis' draw with Gary Anderson, finally ended his top-four hopes, and Whitlock was left to lament uncharacteristic missed doubles.
"I'm kicking myself for the whole season to be honest," said Whitlock. "I missed so many doubles, and if I'd hit my doubles like I did last year I would be in the Play-Offs now.
"I think I've played well all season but I've missed doubles - I think my scoring has got better but my finishing has got worse.
"I've enjoyed every single minute of it though - I love it.
"This year was a big chance for me. Last year I was learning and I made it to the Play-Offs but this year has been a lot tougher. Gary has come in and done really well and Raymond's been on form again.
"I needed results to go my way on the last week to give myself a chance, but Adrian played well.
"Gary had a chance to give me a chance but he missed and Adrian got the draw, so it was hard for me to play the game against Phil Taylor after that.
"I've enjoyed this season though and hopefully I'll be in the next one."
Whitlock is now hoping to regain his clinical range on doubles for the Speedy Hire UK Open, which will be played in early June, having reached the last 16 on his Bolton debut last summer before losing to Phil Taylor.
"I feel really good," he said. "I'm working hard on my game at the moment and practising harder than ever so I'm looking for some good results in the rest of the year.
"I'm really looking forward to Bolton. It's completely different to the Premier League but I enjoyed it last year.
"I was feeling confident and playing well and then I drew Phil Taylor, so hopefully I'll avoid him this time!"
Tickets for the 888.com Premier League Darts Play-Offs remain on sale on 0844 815 0 815 or via www.wembleyarena.co.uk.
888.com Premier League Darts Play-Offs
May 19 - Wembley Arena, London
Semi-Finals
Phil Taylor v Adrian Lewis
Raymond van Barneveld v Gary Anderson
Best of 15 legs - first to eight
Third-Place Play-Off
Best of 15 legs - first to eight
Final
Best of 19 legs - first to ten
Tickets: 0844 815 0 815 or www.wembleyarena.co.uk
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