ADRIAN LEWIS is aiming to turn into a crowd-pleaser when he takes on rival James Wade as the Betway Premier League visits Leeds' First Direct Arena on Thursday.
Lewis and Wade have enjoyed a decade of televised battles since their first big-stage meeting at the 2007 World Matchplay, when the left-hander was victorious in the semi-finals on his way to the title.
Wade also took victory in the 2010 World Grand Prix final before Lewis saw off his rival on the way to his second World Championship title with a brilliant comeback in their famous semi-final at Alexandra Palace.
Stoke's Lewis also landed a nine-dart finish when they met in the 2016 Premier League, and after picking up his first win of the season with a 7-2 defeat of Dave Chisnall in Nottingham a week ago is hoping to thrill the Leeds crowd on Thursday.
"We were two youngsters who came through around the same time and we've had some great matches down the years," said Lewis.
"I think I've been in the top 16 now since probably the second year of my career and James has been too, so we must be quite consistent if we've been in the top 16 for the last ten years.
"You know with James that he'll never give in and it's going to be a battle; he can win ugly and that shows his grit and determination.
"I get frustrated with myself because you want that perfection - I could hit five ten-darters and still be frustrated with hitting an 18-dart leg! It's a weird game.
"Last year I hit a nine-darter against James, so hopefully in Leeds I can show something to the crowd again. If I could hit a nine-darter there, I'd love it.
"The crowd have paid their money and I want to go up there and give them a good show, and I've got to have the balance between getting the result and trying to entertain the fans at the same time.
"You can't enjoy it when you're not playing to your potential. I'm struggling at the minute - I love darts, but I've been trying different flights and and trying to get the right trajectory on the dart, and hopefully it will come."
The Betway Premier League will commence at 7pm on Thursday February 16 at the First Direct Arena in Leeds. For tickets, call 0844 248 1585 or visit www.eventim.co.uk.