It is only week two of the 2010 Premier League but already the Unicorn duo of Adrian Lewis and James Wade are feeling the heat.
After opening night defeats at the O2 Arena in London, it has now become must win for the pair as the Premier League roadshow heads to the south coast and Bournemouth.
Lewis opens the show against Raymond van Barneveld, while Wade is involved in the last match of the night against Mervyn King in a repeat of last year’s final.
A week ago, Wade faded badly in losing to Barney, while Lewis lost focus as he was beaten by King in London.
Wade beat King by 13 legs to 8 at Wembley last May to claim the Premier League title – his 4th TV ‘Major’ – but he will admit that he hasn’t been in the best of form over the last few months.
King averaged 101 in beating Lewis at the O2, so Wade knows it is time that he upped the ante.
Lewis, who is appearing as a Premier League wildcard for a third time, had been in scintillating form until last week in London but he certainly has the game and the scoring power to beat Barneveld.
But this venue holds happy memories for the Dutchman….it was back in 2006 that he famously hit that magical 9-darter in the Premier League in Bournemouth during his win over Peter Manley.
“I am still very proud of that,” Barney said. “It is still the only 9-darter in the history of the Premier League.”
Barneveld made his competitive comeback at the O2 and was impressive in beating Lewis. “I felt refreshed, relaxed and confident and hopefully the fans will see a brand new Barney in 2010,” he said.
The six week break after the World Championship obviously did Barneveld a lot of good and a new fitness regime is also bound to help over the coming gruelling 12 weeks.
Phil Taylor looks for back-to-back wins. He managed to overcome Simon Whitlock in London despite feeling under the weather.
In Bournemouth, he takes on Ronnie Baxter – one of a rare breed of players to beat Taylor in 2009.
“I am feeling much better,” said Taylor. “I have been practicing for the first time since the Alexandra Palace and feel in good spirits.”
In the other match of week two, Unicorn ace Terry Jenkins takes on Whitlock – no doubt looking for revenge after he suffered defeat at the hands of the Australian in the 3rd Round of the World Championship.
Premier League week two schedule:
Adrian Lewis v Raymond van Barneveld
Terry Jenkins v Simon Whitlock
Phil Taylor v Ronnie Baxter
James Wade v Mervyn King
By STUART PYKE (Twitter @stuartpykesport)
Photo courtesy Chris Sargeant