DARYL GURNEY still believes he can fulfil his dream of qualifying for the Unibet Premier League Play-Offs.
Gurney currently sits in fifth place ahead of his crunch clash with Michael Smith at Arena Birmingham on Thursday and is the only player outside the top four who can still qualify for the play-offs.
The Northern Ireland ace hasn’t given up hope of appearing at The O2 on May 17, despite trailing fourth-placed Gary Anderson by three points going into the final two games of the campaign.
“I’m one of the best players in the world for one reason – I never give up,” said Gurney, who battled his way to a 6-6 draw with Michael Van Gerwen last week in Manchester.
“I don’t care who I’m playing, I never, ever give up and I never give my opponent an easy game.
“I’ve been practicing really well and all I have to do is replicate that high-scoring on the Premier League stage.”
An ideal Thursday night for Gurney would see him beat Smith, followed by Raymond van Barneveld claiming at least a point against Anderson to keep his hopes alive.
Alternatively, the Northern Irishman can still qualify with a draw against Smith combined with a defeat for Anderson, while Rob Cross and Michael Smith are also still mathematically within reach.
The world number five took eight weeks to claim his first victory of the campaign, but Gurney has lost just one of his last seven matches and is loving life in the Premier League.
“It’s a tiring schedule but the way I look at the world of darts, if I start complaining then there’s another 50 people behind me that would love to take my spot so I won’t complain,” the World Grand Prix champion added.
“I joined the PDC to play against the best players in the world and that’s what I’m doing right now.
“I couldn’t wish for my life to be any other way than playing professional darts, playing in the PDC against the best in the world.”
Gurney, who recently became a dad, explained how he is embracing the challenge of balancing fatherhood and being one of the world’s best players.
“Whenever I come away for the darts I actually get more sleep now,” Gurney laughed.
“For the first time in five years I actually get more sleep away from home so I can’t wait for the next tournament so I get a few days off!”
Tickets for the Unibet Premier League's visit to Arena Birmingham on Thursday May 3 are still available, and can be purchased via www.theticketfactory.com and 0844 33 88 222.
Unibet Premier League
Night 14 – May 3
Arena Birmingham
Peter Wright v Simon Whitlock
Rob Cross v Michael Van Gerwen
Daryl Gurney v Michael Smith
Gary Anderson v Raymond Van Barneveld
Tickets via www.theticketfactory.com and 0844 33 88 222