WHITLOCK’S LIVING THE DREAM
SIMON WHITLOCK is back in dreamland after coming up with plans for a darts revival in his sleep.
The Wizard of Oz has made a spectacular return to the spotlight with a dazzling start to the Premier League season.
Recalled after a four-year exile when his form and status plummeted Whitlock has battered back in bruising fashion and currently tops the standings.
Last week’s 7-1 demolition of world champion Rob Cross put him top of the table alongside Michael Smith and the Aussie now hopes to extend his winning run by defeating Raymond van Barneveld on week three in Newcastle tonight.
Whitlock is finding ways to win, even under his duvet.
He said: “I had a dream the night before Cardiff last week to cut my flights, to take the tops off them. I did it and it worked a treat so now I need to dream up something new every week.
“It wasn’t a great game against Rob but I got the job done. I think he’s got a bit of a hangover from winning the Worlds. He’s under pressure and I feel a bit bad for him but I’ve got to do my job.
“He’s a class player, he’ll bounce back but luckily it’s not against me.
“The first job for everyone is to avoid elimination then push for the play-offs. It’s been a fantastic start for me so far. I’m at the top right now but there’s a long way to go.
“This is where I belong. I thank the people in charge for putting me back in. I can’t wait for tonight as Michael Smith and me are playing well. We’re just doing our job and playing good darts. It’s open, anybody could win this Premier League.
“Michael van Gerwen’s still favourite but don’t discount the newbies. I’m on a high and going to ride it and play as well as I can.”
Tyneside hosts a terrific evening with van Gerwen and Gary Anderson going head to head at the Metro Arena.
Smith gets the evening going against Mensur Suljovic, Daryl Gurney and Gerwyn Price meet while Peter Wright, who sank van Gerwen in Cardiff, tackles Cross.