Former world darts champion Mark Webster will be hoping to relive his 2008 win over Simon Whitlock after the two were paired together in the same group for the Grand Slam of Darts event in Wolverhampton.
Both are sponsored by Leyland Paints, so the match between the Welsh left-hander and the Australian, should prove to be a colourful affair.
Since the pair met in the BDO world final five years ago, Webster hasn’t enjoyed much success against ‘The Wizard’, but he’s hoping to put that right in the fast-paced early format of the group stages of the Grand Slam.
Webster also faces world number eight, Wes Newton, and the upcoming talent of Challenge Tour Order of Merit winner, Ross Smith.
“It was always going to be a tough draw for me, but I’m looking forward to it and playing in what is always a great atmosphere,” said Denbigh-based Webster.
“The group stage matches are the first to five legs and can be over very quickly, so if I’ll be looking to make a fast start in each game.
“All the pressure will be on Simon and Wes as they are the seeded players in my group, but there will be some shocks in the groups and I hope to produce at least one of them.
“My game is improving slowly on the practice board and I know one good tournament could change everything for me and if I make positive progress in the Grand Slam it could help me climb the rankings in 2014.
“First of all I must beat Simon for the first time while we’ve both been in the PDC and that will be a tough challenge.”
The first match for Webster will be against Wes Newton on Saturday afternoon, November 9th, before returning to the oche to complete his group games on Sunday afternoon and Monday night.
Webster’s sponsor Leyland Paints was founded in 1922 and has a long and distinguished history as a manufacturer and supplier of decorative paints, particularly targeted at tradesmen.