ADRIAN LEWIS admits that the Betfair World Cup of Darts has been ideal preparation for the McCoy's Premier League Darts.
The two-time World Champion retained his World Cup of Darts crown alongside Phil Taylor in Hamburg last weekend in his first appearance since losing to Michael van Gerwen in the World Championship quarter-finals a month earlier.
Lewis' form improved as the weekend progressed, and although he lost to Japan's Sho Katsumi in a Singles game in the quarter-finals, he missed double 12 for a nine-dart finish against Ronny Huybrechts during the final as he averaged 105.75.
The Stoke ace will begin his challenge in the McCoy's Premier League Darts against Simon Whitlock, the 2012 runner-up, on Thursday night at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast and is upbeat about his form.
"Playing in the World Cup was great for me," admitted Lewis. "We had plenty of games during the weekend and that was good for my game.
"I didn't start brilliantly and I had to improve - I felt like I was letting Phil down and the harder I tried the worse it got.
"Eventually I relaxed and I ended up with a 105 average against Ronny Huybrechts in the final, so it came together in the end.
"It's going to be a tough game for me against Simon on Thursday, but I think I'm in good shape."
McCoy's Premier League Darts
Night One - Thursday February 7
Odyssey Arena, Belfast
Andy Hamilton v Robert Thornton
James Wade v Wes Newton
Raymond van Barneveld v Gary Anderson
Simon Whitlock v Adrian Lewis
Phil Taylor v Michael van Gerwen
Live on Sky Sports HD from 7pm