SIMON WHITLOCK has spoken of his pride to be part of the field for the PDC's inaugural Coral Masters in Edinburgh.
The Australian star's status as the world number four amongst the sport's top 16 has seen him qualify to compete in The Coral Masters, the invitational event being held at the Royal Highland Centre from November 1-3, live on ITV4.
With a £50,000 first prize on offer alongside the chance to be crowned as The Master ahead of some of his greatest rivals, Whitlock is heading to Edinburgh in both a determined and excited mood.
"This is going to be one of the most exciting tournaments I've ever played in and I’m honoured to be part of the field," said Whitlock, the 2012 European Champion.
"To have the top 16 players in one tournament is going to be fantastic for the players and the fans alike.
"The standard of play in some of the non-televised tournaments recently has been exceptional so if everyone can continue that form it's going to be a very memorable tournament."
Whitlock has been one of the most consistent players on the circuit this year, reaching July's European Championship final and winning through to at least the quarter-finals in eight of his last 12 events.
With The Masters being the first of three televised events this month in the build-up to December's World Championship at Alexandra Palace, Whitlock is keen to maintain that form but refusing to look too far ahead.
"It’s a huge time of the year and everyone is starting to talk about the World Championship," Whitlock told www.simonwhitlock.tv.
"But The Masters, the Grand Slam and the Players Championship Finals are all huge tournaments in their own right so I'm not going to concentrate on the Worlds until they come around."
Tickets for The Coral Masters are still available, and can be purchased at the Royal Highland Centre from 5.45pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (play commences 6.45pm).