PETER WRIGHT is aiming to continue his unbeaten Betway Premier League Darts campaign when he faces Raymond van Barneveld at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Thursday.
World Championship finalist Wright tops the Premier League Darts table following six games of his debut season, having picked up four victories and two draws so far to remain the event's only undefeated star.
The Scot will play third-placed van Barneveld in Leeds on Thursday as he aims to cement his status at the head of the table, as the reality of topping the Premier League continues
"It was a dream at first, but now it's getting to the stage where I don't want to lose!" he admitted. "I want to try and be unbeaten until at least the cut-off on Week Nine, and hopefully I'll do that.
"If not, it's going to be a tough game whoever beats me. I've got Raymond then Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson in the next couple of weeks, so I've got to be ready for them.
"It's going to be tough because Raymond's a fantastic player and a five-time World Champion. I owe him a couple from a few previous events, including the UK Open a couple of years ago when I burst my score on 138 in the last leg and gifted him the game.
"That won't be happening again - if I get the chance I'll be making sure I take it out properly!"
Wright cruised to a 7-3 win over Simon Whitlock last week, averaging 100 and finishing seven doubles from 12 attempts despite again experimenting with a different design of dart.
"Last week I didn't feel like I got out of first gear," he said. "I was enjoying myself and enjoying the crowd, and that I could step up if I needed to and it's good to know I've got that in the tank.
"There's plenty more to come with these new darts - I changed them to try and score more heavily - and there will need to be because I've got a tough few weeks ahead, but I'm loving it.
"I wish I could play on the Premier League stage every week - it's been amazing so far. The crowd lift me and make me want to play well, and that's why we're here.
"To hear them chant my name, it's crazy! I'm enjoying the buzz of it."
The Betway Premier League Darts is set to welcome over 10,000 fans to the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Thursday, with a small number of tickets still available by calling 0844 248 1585 or online through www.firstdirectarena.com.