DARYL GURNEY believes he can once again find his “top game” to defend the Ladbrokes Players Championship.
The Northern Irishman famously defeated Michael van Gerwen in last year’s final to capture his second major title.
Now Superchin will aim to warm up for the World Championship in the best possible manner by retaining the crown in Minehead this weekend.
Gurney, who faces Luke Woodhouse in his opener on Friday afternoon, admits: “I think it’s fair to say that every player turns up for this one as preparation for the Worlds.
“The best way to turn up at the Ally Pally in mid-December is having won the Masters, it’s such a big psychological boost.
“I know it was for me a year ago. It didn’t work out for me in the Worlds but I’ll be back again this year to try and deliver the best prep.
“I don’t think I’ve been anywhere near my best for the past few events. I was disappointed to lose out to Michael Smith in the Grand Slam. But there are many highs and lows in a year.
“What I do know is that I can find my top game for the Masters and the Worlds. You don’t really have much time to dwell on good or bad results in the PDC, there’s always another tournament around the corner.”
James Wilson has been fighting back from a year of injuries and will face the daunting opening task of facing last weekend’s Grand Slam finalist Peter Wright in his first match.
Youngster Harry Ward has had another terrific year on the circuit and takes on a tricky opponent in Darius Labanauskas. Jamie Hughes also has a tough clash with Jermaine Wattimena.
By Phil Lanning.