Simon Whitlock will be aiming to stay at the summit of the McCoy’s Premier League on Thursday, when he takes on Kevin Painter at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena.

‘The Wizard’ has picked up a draw and a win so far, to leave himself top of the table heading into the third night of action.

James Wade, who was beaten by Whitlock last week, hopes to return to form when he takes on reigning champion Gary Anderson.

Raymond van Barneveld takes on his old rival Phil Taylor in the final match of the night. ‘Barney’ is looking to extend his unbeaten run, having drawn his first two matches.

Photo - Lawrence Lustig/PDC

The Dutchman has started off the tournament in fine form. He averaged over 102 on the opening night in Manchester two weeks ago, and the five-time world champion will hope to build on his encouraging start.

The evening’s other match sees Adrian Lewis and Andy Hamilton go head to head in a repeat of the World Championship Final.

Simon Whitlock v Kevin Painter (game one)

James Wade v Gary Anderson (game three)

Raymond van Barneveld v Phil Taylor (game four)

By Chris Murphy

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 7 – 7 Adrian Lewis

Raymond van Barneveld secured a draw with world champion Adrian Lewis in sensational style in Aberdeen. The Dutchman took out a stunning 126 finish to seal a point for the second consecutive week.

‘Barney’ hit four 180’s in another thrilling match before hitting 19, treble 19 and bull to grab the draw  when under immense pressure from the world number two. Van Barneveld, who drew with Simon Whitlock last week, was pleased to share the spoils once again.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

He said: “I’m happy with the point again. Adrian played well and he played a brilliant leg at the end. I had to take the 126 out. I told him it was payback for Dusseldorf, when he beat me with a 121. I started off well again before Adrian started playing brilliant darts, it was really similar to last week and I’m delighted to have got the draw.”

Van Barneveld won the first leg against the throw and soon doubled his lead, hitting his first 180 in the process. Lewis came back strongly though, winning four legs in a row to lead at the break.

‘Jackpot’ then held his throw to open up a three leg lead before ‘Barney’ reduced the deficit with a tidy 76 finish. The Dutchman then took out 77 to grab a crucial break of throw before hitting another maximum on his way to restoring parity at five legs apiece.

Van Barneveld hit a third 180 but was unable to prevent Lewis from edging back in front. The five-time world champion hit maximum number four before hitting double four to level the match once again. Lewis took out 140 to go back into the lead in the penultimate leg of the match before ‘Barney’ pulled of his sublime 126 checkout with Lewis waiting to pounce on 51.

By Chris Murphy

MODUS stars James Wade and Simon Whitlock go head to head in the McCoy’s Premier League tonight. The pair, who both reached the semi-finals of the World Championship, will close the show on what promises to be an exciting evening of action in Aberdeen.

Wade is aiming to bounce back from an opening night defeat at the hands of Andy Hamilton. ‘The Machine’, who won the tournament in 2009, was successful with more than half of his attempts at doubles last week but narrowly lost out to the World Championship runner-up.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Whitlock is in excellent form of late. He has followed up his run at the Alexandra Palace with strong performances at the Players Championship events in Benidorm and back to back semi-finals at the UK Open qualifiers last weekend. ‘The Wizard’ played out a thrilling draw with Raymond van Barneveld in Manchester last week and will be hoping to add to his points tally in Scotland.

Van Barneveld is in action in the opening match of the night when he takes on world champion Adrian Lewis. ‘Barney’ came back from 7-5 down to share the spoils with Whitlock, an encouraging sign that he is getting back to his brilliant best. The Dutchman hit more treble 20’s than singles last Thursday and a similar performance tonight would undoubtedly give ‘Jackpot’ more than a run for his money.

In the nights other matches, Phil Taylor takes on Kevin Painter and Gary Anderson meets Hamilton.

MODUS darts.tv will provide updates and reports for all matches involving MODUS players.

Raymond van Barneveld v Adrian Lewis (game one)

James Wade v Simon Whitlock (game four)

By Chris Murphy

Michael van Gerwen produced a sensational display to win the second Speedy Hire UK Open qualifier in Crawley. The young Dutchman hit a perfect nine-dart finish and a maximum 170 checkout in an amazing final against Dave Chisnall.

‘Mighty Mike’, who was named PDC Young Player of the Year last month, put together a brilliant run of impressive victories at the K2 Centre, culminating in his 6-1 triumph over Chisnall.

Photo - Lawrence Lustig/PDC

The 22 year old began the final with a 13 darter before breaking his opponent’s throw at the first opportunity. Chisnall pulled a leg back before van Gerwen restored his lead in spectacular style, hitting 180, 177 and a 144 checkout for a sublime nine-dart leg.

He went on to win the next three legs, hitting a 170 finish along the way, to claim his second victory on the PDC Pro-Tour.

Van Gerwen beat Steve Brown, Stuart Kellet, Richie Howson and Jamie Caven to reach the quarter-finals, where he defeated World Championship runner-up Andy Hamilton 6-2.

The Dutchman followed that fantastic win up with a 6-0 whitewash over Premier League star Simon Whitlock in the semi-final, before beating Chisnall in the final with a magnificent 108 average.

Vincent van der Voort also showed good form before losing out to Chisnall in the last four.

Van Gerwen scooped £6000 for his success and sealed qualification for the Speedy Hire UK Open finals in June.

By Chris Murphy

MODUS stars James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld visited Manchester United’s training ground yesterday ahead of the opening night of the McCoy’s Premier League.

Wade and ‘Barney’ were joined by Phil Taylor, Andy Hamilton and Kevin Painter in their trip to Carrington, where they were given a tour of the clubs facilities.

They also met Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs, two men who know a thing or two about winning Premier League titles.

PHOTOS: LAWRENCE LUSTIG/PDC