SIMON WHITLOCK is relishing the chance to return to action on Australian soil at the Unibet Melbourne Darts Masters this weekend.
Top-ranked Australian star Whitlock will be amongst the 16-player field for the inaugural Melbourne Darts Masters, which is taking place at the Hisense Arena from August 18-20.
The former European Championship winner has previously been a semi-finalist in the Sydney Darts Masters but is hoping to follow the lead of compatriot Kyle Anderson, who won last weekend's title in Auckland, by claiming glory on Sunday night in Melbourne.
"It means a lot for me to be here," said Whitlock. "I'm a proud Australian so it’s great to play in front of an Aussie crowd.
"Melbourne is known for high quality professional sport, so hopefully we can carry that on.
"I feel great, the darts are going well and I'm looking forward to getting up there. I need to do a bit better than I did in Auckland but with my confidence levels where they are there's no reason I can't win it."
Whitlock was defeated by Perth-born Anderson in the quarter-finals last Sunday, before seeing his World Cup team-mate go on to lift his first TV title in another boost for darts in the Oceanic region.
"It was great to see Kyle win," adds Whitlock. "I would have liked it to have been me, but Kyle is a great guy and fully deserved to get the win in Auckland.
"To see some new Australian talent come through in Kyle and Corey Cadby is massive for the sport over here.
"If as a group we can all start playing well consistently then it can only be good for Australian darts."
The Unibet Melbourne Darts Masters will take place from August 18-20 at the Hisense Arena. For tickets, visit www.ticketek.com.au or call 132 849. Order Season Tickets - including $120 Tiered Seat season ticket - via this link.
The TABtouch Perth Darts Masters will be held from August 25-27 at HBF Stadium. For tickets visit www.downunderevents.com.au and www.ticketmaster.com.au.