ADRIAN LEWIS and Andy Hamilton will meet in a World Championship final rematch when the McCoy's Premier League Darts visits Belfast on Thursday.
Lewis claimed back-to-back World Championship victories when he overcame his Stoke rival 7-3 at Alexandra Palace on January 2.
Thursday's clash will be their first meeting since, and Lewis is expecting a tough test against the Premier League newcomer.
"Andy's gained a lot of confidence from reaching the World Championship final and he'll be no pushover," said Lewis. "I'll have to go up there and average 100-plus.
"I think he deserved a place in the Premier League because, personally, I thought he was the best player in the World Championship going into the final.
"Obviously I'd had the experience of playing in the final the year before, and if it wasn't for that then he might have won the World Championship final.
"Andy's a grinding player, similar to myself, and it's going to be another tough game. You can't take him lightly and you have to get up there and play at your best otherwise he'll turn you over."
Hamilton jumped back into the world's top ten by winning through to the World Championship final, although he suffered defeat in a second major decider with the loss.
However, he insists revenge is not a factor going into Thursday's contest.
"The World Championship final will be a little but on my mind, but I want it to be a better performance," he said. "Adrian had the experience of being there before and I maybe wanted it too much and was trying too hard.
"I've learned from that and if I get another opportunity it would be different next time.
"I felt I was a bit tired in the World Championship final, but this week I'll be ready and it should be a great game."
The pair have often practised together in Stoke since turning professional in 2004, and Hamilton admits that he must put the friendship aside on stage if he is to bounce back from his 8-2 loss to Gary Anderson in Aberdeen last Thursday.
"He's a good friend and that can make it a little bit harder, but it's also nice to play someone I know up on that stage," he said.
"We came through at the same time in 2004 and he's obviously done more than I've done but I've had a kick-start to my career with the World Championship and I want to go on from here.
"With it being week-to-week, although every two points is vital, it's not the be-all and end-all if I lose.
"I'm practising well, I've forgotten about last week and I'll focus on Thursday and go out there to beat Adrian."
McCoy's Premier League Darts
Week Three
February 23 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast
Kevin Painter v Simon Whitlock
Andy Hamilton v Adrian Lewis
Gary Anderson v James Wade
Raymond van Barneveld v Phil Taylor
Tickets: 0844 277 4455 or www.ticketmaster.ie
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