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James Wade is aiming to build on the form he showed last week as bids to be first player to conquer Phil Taylor in the 2013 McCoy’s Premier League when the pair meet in Exeter this evening, while newcomers Michael van Gerwen and Robert Thornton are looking to extend their unbeaten starts.

Wade averaged over 100 in a dominant display to see off Adrian Lewis in Bournemouth but doesn’t believe that averages are the key to cutting ‘The Power’.

“I was pleased with the way I played last week because I have been putting the work in,” said ‘The Machine’, who has collected four points from his three matches so far.

“I hope that is a sign of things to come because I had been a little frustrated. I’ve been practising hard but putting in below par performances. I have been getting decent results though, which shows that averages aren’t everything.

“What I have to do to beat Phil is take out the right shots at the right times. If I do that then I can win the match.”

van Gerwen takes on Andy Hamilton after a enjoying a fantastic victory over Raymond van Barneveld last Thursday.

The Dutch sensation followed that up with an incredible run of 16 consecutive victories, which saw him take both of the opening UK Open qualifier titles in Crawley at the weekend.

‘Mighty Mike’ is in a confident mood as he looks to increase his current points tally of four.

He said: “I’m very happy with my game at the moment and I know I can keep it going.”

“I am very proud of what I am doing right now. It was a great achievement to win both events in Crawley and I would love to go on a run in the Premier League now.

“Every game is difficult though and I won’t be taking Andy for granted. I want to win and will have to bring my best game to do that.”

Thornton will compete in the first ever all Scottish encounter in the nine year history of the televised tournament.

‘The Thorn’ who has also amassed four points with a win and two draws, takes on Gary Anderson.

“It’s absolutely brilliant for Scottish darts,” said Thornton, the wild-card pick who won the UK Open last June.

“Since we joined the PDC, Gary and I have had some humdingers of matches. We wind each other up and spur each other on, and it’s a bit of friendly banter. We know at the end of the night we’ll be mates and it’s all in good fun.”

van Barneveld and Simon Whitlock are in action against each other in Exeter, while Adrian Lewis takes on Wes Newton in the other match of the evening.

By Chris Murphy

Tickets are selling fast for an exciting summer darts event at The Pyramids featuring two of the stars of this year’s hugely popular Premier League.

Michael van Gerwen and Robert Thornton, who shared a draw in a thrilling match when they met in week two of the televised tournament, are the star attractions at the Portsmouth International Masters, which takes place on 20 June.

Joining Thornton and van Gerwen, who won the sold out Untouchables events at the same venue before Christmas, will be two more high profile stars in the form of charismatic duo Paul Nicholson and Ted Hankey.

Local professionals Andy Jenkins and Les Wallace will complete the line-up for what is set to be another fantastic night of top quality darts.

And Scotsman Thornton, the reigning UK Open Champion urged fans to make sure they don’t miss out.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to this one and I’ve heard it’s selling well so people wanting to attend should get in there quick.

“I didn’t play in the last event at the venue but have been told fantastic things from the players that did.

“It was sold-out and the crowd were fantastic by all accounts. I can wait to be part of something similar and I’ll be out to stop Michael (van Gerwen) taking the title this time!”

Tickets are still available by calling the box office on 08450 180 180 or via www.dartshop.tv or www.pyramids-live.co.uk

Premier League Darts star Simon Whitlock has announced a deal to sponsor promising 20-year-old Keegan Brown.

Brown, who started 2013 ranked 86 in the PDC Order of Merit, is to be sponsored by ‘The Wizard’ with immediate effect.

The youngster has shown flashes of his ability since winning a tour card at the 2012 Qualifying School, winning a Youth Tour event and, perhaps more impressively, reaching the semi-finals of a Pro Tour event in the last twelve months.

Whitlock, the world number five, believes that Brown has the potential to become one of the sport’s top players in years to come.

“I am delighted to be in a position to sponsor such a promising young player,” said Whitlock, the reigning European Champion.

“Keegan has huge potential and is a great lad. He was the perfect fit for what I wanted to do.

“I know how important sponsorship is for a dart player so I wanted to help out and make sure Keegan is given every chance to achieve what I know he is capable of.

“I hope that my experience can help him become a full professional and go on to fulfil his ambitions in darts.”

Brown became the youngest ever male to play county darts when he made his debut for the Isle of Wight back in 2006.

He went on to play on the BDO circuit, qualifying for the Winmau World Masters, before going on to progress from Q-School comfortably.

By Chris Murphy

Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC