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MODUS stars James Wade and Simon Whitlock go head to head in the McCoy’s Premier League on Thursday at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena, where Raymond van Barneveld takes on Adrian Lewis.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Whitlock, who is third in the table, heads to the Welsh capital on course for a playoff place. ‘The Wizard’, who is sat on eight points at the season’s half way stage, is happy with his form in the competition.

He said: “Eight points is a great total for the first half; I think you’re going to need 14 to get through to the playoffs. It’s been 14 I think every year I’ve played in it so I’m slightly in front at the minute.

“My scoring’s there; I’ve got to hit some more doubles. Consistency is the key, to be consistent on hitting your scores and then hitting your doubles.

“I know James really well but I’ll approach it like every other week. I’ll go up there and try and be aggressive on the board and go for the win.”

A victory for ‘The Machine’ would put him on level points with his opponent.

Van Barneveld is second in the table, ahead of Whitlock on legs difference. The Dutchman enjoyed his best performance so far in Dublin last week, when he averaged over 107 in his victory over Gary Anderson.

‘Barney’ faces world champion Adrian Lewis in front of another sell-out crowd in Cardiff, and says he his loving every minute of life in the McCoy’s Premier League.

“When I got the Wildcard I was over the moon, and I said that I want to prove a few people wrong who said that I was finished,” said van Barneveld, who has reached the playoffs five times.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

“To be second in the league after seven games proves I can still play the game, and I’m looking forward to the next seven weeks. I’m aiming to be in the top four, and playing the final and winning this tournament would be a dream.”

The match against ‘Barney’ will be Lewis’ second of the night; he also takes on Andy Hamilton in the opener, due to Anderson attending his father’s funeral in Scotland.

League leader Phil Taylor is up against Kevin Painter in the other match of the evening.

The action will be preceded by a minute’s applause in memory of the late Jocky Wilson, who passed away on Saturday night.

By Chris Murphy

Matches involving MODUS players

JAMES WADE v SIMON WHITLOCK (Game two)

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD V ADRIAN LEWIS (Game four)

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