'Snakebite' sealed a second European Tour victory of the year in Germany at weekend
Wednesday 26 April 2017 15:45, UK
Peter Wright will be aiming to mathematically secure his first Premier League play-off spot in Birmingham when he takes on six-time champion Phil Taylor.
Wright beat Benito van de Pas 6-5 in a nail-biting high-quality German Darts Open final in Saarbrucken at the weekend and now heads to the second city in fine spirits as he looks to topple Taylor.
"I'm in with a chance of getting into the semi-finals, and hopefully I'll make it," said the UK Open champion.
"There are only three games left and I'm in a good position but it's not over yet so I've got to carry on trying to win.
"Phil beat me last time we played, but I want to get him back this week. He's so relaxed that he doesn't care, and that's why he's dangerous now.
"He's going to be a major threat to the title. He's not rolling over because it's his last year, he's up there with the attitude to fight for every leg, so hats off to him."
Reigning and defending Premier League champion Michael van Gerwen could secure top spot when he doubles up in Birmingham.
The Dutchman has topped the league table in each of his previous four seasons in the Premier League, going on to take the trophy in 2013 and 2016 by winning the final.
He sits two points clear of Wright going into Night 13 at the Barclaycard Arena, and plays twice as he faces Dave Chisnall and Adrian Lewis.
Van Gerwen could end the night with an unassailable lead at the top of the standings, earning him the £25,000 League Winner's Bonus - an achievement he is bidding to ensure he completes.
"Four points is my target," said Van Gerwen. "You never know what's going to happen - Adrian is playing good darts at the moment and Dave played well last week, but I want to make sure I get four points and make sure I'm clear at the top of the table so no-one can catch me.
"I want to be top of the table and that's where I am. I've done this for every year I've been in the Premier League and I want to keep it going.
"I've got to remain focused and I don't want to make any mistakes, and it doesn't look like I will because I'm playing really well. I'm playing always over the 100 average now so I've raised my game to a standard no-one has touched.
"I love to play well and perform really good, and that keeps me motivated. I feel good and I want to make the difference with these two games."
You can see all the action from the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on Thursday from 7pm on Sky Sports 5 HD, including the clash between Michael van Gerwen and Adrian Lewis.
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