"I enjoyed it and it's great to be back in the Premier League"
Thursday 1 February 2018 23:53, UK
Former finalist Simon Whitlock made a winning return to the Premier League stage following a three-year break as he edged out debutant Mensur Suljovic 7-5 in a thriller.
Suljovic took out 121 and 110 as he opened up an early 3-1 lead, only for Whitlock to claim the next four as he took the advantage, following up legs of 12, 13 and 11 darts with a stunning 160 checkout.
The Champions League of Darts winner finished 138 and double 18 to level, but another 12-darter from Whitlock moved him 6-5 up before he sealed victory in the deciding leg on tops for a 13-dart finish.
Whitlock ended the game with seven doubles from eight attempts as he averaged 106.49, as the Austrian averaged a high-quality contest with a 103.71 average and five doubles from nine attempts.
"I enjoyed it and it's great to be back in the Premier League," said Whitlock. "I feel this is where I belong, I've practised hard and believed in myself.
"Mensur's a really tough opponent and I'd have been happy to get a draw but once I got the chance for the win I took it, so I'm really happy."
Click on the video above to see 'The Wizard' produce a magical 160 and then watch his interview below...
The 2018 Premier League heads to the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff next Thursday with coverage underway from 7pm on Sky Sports Action. 15 weeks of tungsten action will continue through to the season's conclusion with the Play-Offs on May 17 at The O2 in London.
Keep up to date with the latest darts news, previews, reports, reaction and expert analysis. Get all the latest at www.skysports.com/darts and join in the conversation @SkySportsDarts- don't forget to use #LoveTheDarts
