BLACKPOOL’S STILL MY TOP DESTINATION
I AM walking a bit of a tightrope when it comes to qualifying for the World Matchplay in Blackpool.
I have a proud record of being in every iteration of that tournament for the past 20 years but the fact of the matter is that it is now in jeopardy.
It has been a strange week for me. I averaged 103 against Cameron Menzies during the first of two Players Championships this week but ended up losing. I then averaged 104 the next day – thankfully this time I won – so it is heartening to know my game is at that level.
Whenever I have felt pressure, for example trying to qualify for the Grand Slam last year, I have always come up trumps.
Finals night in the Premier League is right around the corner and there’s only two spots left to play for.
Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are in, so it is now a three-way shoot-out between Michael van Gerwen, Nathan Aspinall and Michael Smith for the final two spots.
Rob Cross could technically make it but he would need two wins out of two and other results going his way. Given he plays Humphries in the quarter-finals this week, that is a big ask.
It will be interesting to see Gerwyn Price return to action after his back issues, which ruled him out of Aberdeen last week.
Taking on MVG is a tricky welcome back, mind.
But all eyes are going to be on the intriguing clash between Aspinall and Smith, who even went on holiday with each other just last week.
Michael won one of the aforementioned Players Championship events in Germany this week and is really starting to look back to his best. But we all know Nathan is a real tough competitor.
It could be make or break for either of them.