SIMON WHITLOCK has set his sights on returning to the Unibet Premier League Play-Offs following his successful first half of the season.
The Australian star returned to the Premier League stage this year following a three-year absence, and sits in fourth place going into the remaining seven games.
Whitlock won his opening three matches and sits on ten points going into the second stage of the season.
Ahead of Thursday's tie with Michael van Gerwen at The FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield, Whitlock has admitted that securing a spot in the Play-Offs is his "dream" after previously securing a top-four finish twice.
"I'm looking pretty good again," said Whitlock, who overcame Gerwyn Price 7-3 in Liverpool last week.
"In my head I expected to win and get the two points last week. I can build on last week and I'm pushing towards the top four again now.
"After the first three weeks, maybe 12 points would have been more what I was thinking, but I've avoided elimination and I'm up there close to the top four, so I'm doing alright.
"I'd love to be in the Play-Offs - that's my goal now. I've done the first section and avoided elimination and now I'm looking to make The O2. That's my dream.
"There's a long way to go, another seven more games, but if I can get another ten points then maybe I'll make the Play-Offs. I just take one week at a time now and enjoy it, because I love it."
Whitlock's win over Price in Liverpool ended the Welshman's debut season on a disappointing note, but the Australian has backed his rival to bounce back in future.
The 2012 runner-up, Whitlock finished tenth in the 2014 season before missing out for the next three years, and believes that Price can follow his example.
"Gerwyn's new at this and I do feel for him," said Whitlock. "The Premier League's tough, especially for people who haven't been there before.
"They don't realise how hard it is. He's got to stay strong and try and live your dream. We all aspire to make the Premier League and do well.
"I went out on a bad note and I've bounced back. You've just got to believe in yourself."
Tickets for the Unibet Premier League's visit to The FlyDSA Arena on Thursday April 12 are still available, and can be purchased via www.flydsaarena.co.uk and 0114 256 5656.
Unibet Premier League
Night Ten - April 12
The FlyDSA Arena, Sheffield
Raymond van Barneveld v Daryl Gurney
Gary Anderson v Peter Wright
Simon Whitlock v Michael van Gerwen
Michael Smith v Rob Cross
Raymond van Barneveld v Peter Wright
Tickets via www.flydsaarena.co.uk and 0114 256 5656