Daryl Gurney says he needs a miracle to make Premier League Darts play-offs
"I need a miracle now and I'm not expecting that but I'll go to Aberdeen and give it my all"
Thursday 10 May 2018 21:54, UK
Daryl Gurney is hoping for a "miracle" as he bids to seal a spot in the Premier League's top four on the final night of league action in Aberdeen.
Gurney's slender hopes of qualifying for the play-offs are still alive after fourth-placed Gary Anderson was beaten by Raymond van Barneveld last week, but the Northern Irishman still trails Anderson by two points.
'Super Chin' must win at least 7-2 against Peter Wright and hope league leader Van Gerwen records a big win over Anderson, but 'The Flying Scotsman' needs just three legs to guarantee his spot at The O2 Arena.
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Gurney's Premier League debut began in stuttering fashion as he failed to register a victory across his opening six matches, having relinquished leads against Van Barneveld, Gerwyn Price and Anderson.
The World Grand Prix champion has since lost just two of his last 11 games to storm into contention, but he expects to be punished for his missed opportunities earlier in the campaign.
"I need a miracle now and I'm not expecting that but I'll go to Aberdeen and give it my all," Gurney vowed.
"I knew I blew my chance when I got all the draws at the start but that's my own fault.
"If I can finish fifth in my first Premier League that's what I deserve because all the top four players beat me. The league table doesn't lie," he added.
Elsewhere, Anderson will be hoping to bounce back from successive defeats to Whitlock and Van Barneveld by sealing his play-off status on home soil.
The two-time world champion had won six out of seven matches to solidify his top four spot, but he faces a potential banana-skin against MVG, if Gurney beats Wright by a scoreline of 7-2 or better earlier in the evening.
However, Anderson is focusing solely on the task in hand, as he aims to return to winning ways.
"Obviously Michael will be a tough opponent. I've just got to make sure I do enough to get to The O2 without any dramas.
"It's all about producing at the right times now, I want to win in Scotland and I love coming home. It's always very special and I've got a decent record in Aberdeen," he claimed.
"I really don't care where I finish in the top four and who I face at The O2. All I'm fussed about is playing my best game when I get there."
Anderson is poised to face Van Gerwen in the play-offs next week, but the two-time Premier League winner insists he does not care who he plays, as long as he qualifies.
"I really don't care where I finish in the top four and who I face at The O2. All I'm fussed about is playing my best game when I get there," the 47-year-old added.
Michael Smith will be bidding to secure second spot in the table as he takes on Van Barneveld in the night's opener, while world champion Rob Cross faces Simon Whitlock, who currently sits in eighth position.
The 2018 Premier League is back for the final league night on Thursday as we head to Aberdeen for Week 15. Coverage gets underway from 7pm on Sky Sports Action. The tungsten action will then continue through to the season's conclusion with the Play-Offs on Thursday, 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
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