James Wade will attempt to claim his first points of the McCoy’s Premier League Darts season when he takes on Kevin Painter in Exeter this evening.

The world number three, who won the tournament in 2009, has enjoyed success in recent years even though he has been a slow starter in the competition.

Photo - Lawrence Lustig/PDC

‘The Machine’ reached the final in 2010 and only missed out on the play-offs by a single point last year, despite being bottom after eight weeks.  A win against an in-form Painter could kick-start Wade’s 2012 campaign.

He faces ‘The Artist’ in the opening match of the night before Raymond van Barneveld takes to the stage in pursuit of his first victory.

The Dutchman has been playing fantastic darts of late, so will be confident ahead of his clash with World Championship finalist Andy Hamilton.

‘Barney’ has been involved in three thrilling encounters in the opening three weeks of the competition. The five-time world champion claimed draws against Simon Whitlock and Adrian Lewis before losing out to Phil Taylor, despite posting a brilliant 106 three dart average last week.

Whitlock faces Taylor in the night’s penultimate match. ‘The Wizard’ claimed a win and a draw before tasting defeat last week and will hope to bounce back against the ‘The Power’, who currently sits top of the table.

The evening draws to a close when Gary Anderson takes on Lewis in a repeat of last year’s final.

By Chris Murphy

Tonight’s fixtures

(Involving MODUS players)

JAMES WADE v Kevin Painter – (game one)

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD v Andy Hamilton – (game two)

SIMON WHITLOCK v Phil Taylor – (game three)

Simon Whitlock will be aiming to stay at the summit of the McCoy’s Premier League on Thursday, when he takes on Kevin Painter at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena.

‘The Wizard’ has picked up a draw and a win so far, to leave himself top of the table heading into the third night of action.

James Wade, who was beaten by Whitlock last week, hopes to return to form when he takes on reigning champion Gary Anderson.

Raymond van Barneveld takes on his old rival Phil Taylor in the final match of the night. ‘Barney’ is looking to extend his unbeaten run, having drawn his first two matches.

Photo - Lawrence Lustig/PDC

The Dutchman has started off the tournament in fine form. He averaged over 102 on the opening night in Manchester two weeks ago, and the five-time world champion will hope to build on his encouraging start.

The evening’s other match sees Adrian Lewis and Andy Hamilton go head to head in a repeat of the World Championship Final.

Simon Whitlock v Kevin Painter (game one)

James Wade v Gary Anderson (game three)

Raymond van Barneveld v Phil Taylor (game four)

By Chris Murphy