ANDY HAMILTON is looking to continue his success against Simon Whitlock when the McCoy's Premier League Darts visits the NIA in Birmingham on Thursday.
Hamilton has not been defeated by Whitlock in their last four meetings on the big stage, taking victories in the 2010 World Grand Prix, 2011 World Matchplay quarter-final and in the World Championship semi-finals on New Year's day.
The duo also shared the points in their previous Premier League meeting at The O2 in Dublin in March, when Whitlock had to produce a 13-darter to grab a draw in the deciding leg.
This time, Hamilton knows that he cannot afford to lose as he chases a Play-Off place in his debut Premier League campaign, and he said: "I'm really looking forward to it.
"Simon's not beaten me for a long time so hopefully it's going to stay that way. He's got to do it sometime - but I hope it's later rather than sooner.
"He's under pressure and he'll get no change out of me; I'll be ready for him.
"There's no pressure on me, everyone expected me to come bottom or next to bottom so anything else would prove them wrong. I'm just out there playing to win.
"It's the best eight players and we all want to finish in the top four but we also want to put the performances in, and I've proved my worth this year. I'm still not out of it and I'll keep fighting all the way to the end."
Hamilton and Kevin Painter were debutants in the Premier League this season, and he believes that the experience he has gained as the campaign has progressed is showing in his recent results.
"In the second half of the season I've only lost one game, to Phil Taylor, so that proves I'm getting better," he said. "I just wish there were another ten league games left and not two.
"Six of the other players have been in the Premier League before and for me it was just great to be here [in the early weeks], whereas now I think I'm part of it.
"I'm loving the Premier League and I just want to keep enjoying it. The crowd contribute a lot and I love it - to play in front of crowds like this, when I come to play in the World Matchplay and World Championship it will be easy!"
A number of tickets for Thursday's McCoy's Premier League Darts (7pm) remain on sale from the NIA in Birmingham by calling 0844 338 8000 or visiting www.theticketfactory.com.
Click here to see the McCoy's Premier League Darts Play-Off Permutations
McCoy's Premier League Darts
Week 13 - NIA, Birmingham
Simon Whitlock v Andy Hamilton
Gary Anderson v Raymond van Barneveld
Kevin Painter v Adrian Lewis
James Wade v Phil Taylor
Tickets: 0844 338 8000 or www.theticketfactory.com
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