THE BEST? LEW MUST BE JOKING
MCCOY’S PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS
SIMON WHITLOCK goes head-on with Adrian Lewis in the Mccoy’s Premier League on Thursday after telling the world champ: “You’re not as good as Phil Taylor.”
The Australian was on the receiving end of a Premier League record average of 117.35 from “The Power” last week as the world No.1 stormed to an 8-4 triumph.
Whitlock averaged over 105 and feels he is in good shape ahead of his clash against Lewis at the Brighton Centre in the fifth week of the tournament.
“I didn’t think I did much wrong. I played a really good game but Phil played fantastic,” said Whitlock.
Deserved
“When I came off stage last Thursday I knew Phil had played incredibly well and when you find out he hit a record average that proves it.
“I enjoyed it actually. I love playing against the best players in the world and that’s why the Premier League this year is absolutely brilliant, because it’s the eight best players in the world and all the games are tough.
“It’s no easier when I play Adrian but although he’s deserved to win two world championships I still believe Phil’s the best player in the world.
“Adrian can still throw a 105 average for fun, but if I can play like I did against Phil I’ll be happy and I should get a result.”
The big match on the Sussex coast sees Taylor meet reigning champion Gary Anderson (right), who has won his last three games since losing in the first week.
Scot Anderson will bundle Taylor from the league summit if he wins. He said: “My form’s coming back well but it’s obviously a different prospect when you come up against Phil.
“I’ve played well for the last couple of weeks but I know I’ve got to be better still when I play him.
“He’s set the standard but I still believe that I can hit a 120 average. I’ve done it in practice and I want to take that on stage now.” THURSDAY’S MATCHES: Kevin Painter v Andy Hamilton, Phil Taylor v Gary Anderson, James Wade v Raymond van Barneveld, Simon Whitlock v Adrian Lewis