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We're off to see the Wizard - the wonderful Wizard of Oz. With the PDC World Darts Championship starting on Thursday it seemed a good time for Betfair to meet last year's shock finalist Simon Whitlock and find out if he's ready to go one better this time...


Hi Simon. You pretty much came from nowhere to reach last year's World final - how have things changed since?

I'd like to think I've grown as a player over the last 12 months. I'm a much more confident player than I was then. It started a big year for me, it's been life changing as well. Doing so well at Alexandra Palace got me into the Premier League, and in turn that meant I had to move over here full time. Big changes.


One thing that doesn't seem to have changed is that Phil Taylor still dominates everything...

It's crazy. I think the rankings show he's made three times more than James Wade who is second and five times more than me in fifth. To be honest I don't really know what makes him special or what he does different, but whatever it is it works.


Does that mean he's certain to win the world title again? How do the other players break up his dominance?

I think it is up to us other guys to lift our game and be a bit more competitive - and to be honest I think it is happening right now. I think people have got better, and I also think Phil has dropped off a little bit. He's back in the field now, he's beatable at the moment.


Really? Brave words?

Maybe but it's what I think. I'm only being honest.


What about your own form?

I think it's good. As I said, last year was a key breakthrough for me, and then winning a lot of tournaments this year has meant my confidence has grown and I think I'm playing better than ever. I didn't think I would do as well as I have done, but playing regularly on the PDC circuit has brought a different mentality. It's a lot harder, the players are so much better, but I've found I've been able to lift my game and be a lot more competitive.


Is there anything you've done to help that?

Just practising, and maybe just playing lots of tournaments. Just playing in the Premier League makes so much difference, it's intense, and more from the experience it gives you than anything else. More TV time, playing on stages. You get used to the heat from the arc lights and the pressure of performing. Every stage is different, too. You'd struggle to explain it unless you've been up there because the board is the same, it's the same height, everything else is pretty much constant. It's just somehow the feeling is different in each one and the crowds are different, it's more difficult to play in some places than others.


One thing that stays the same is your beard and pony tail. It fits the Wizard image now, but why did you grow it first?

My mother used to cut my hair when I was young, and I didn't like the way she did it so I said I'll cut it myself. I couldn't see what I was cutting at the back so I just left it and that's how it ended up!


You mentioned moving to England full time. Have you settled well over here?

Yes I have. I just enjoy what I like doing on the bigger scene, I've made a lot of friends too through darts.


What do you miss?

I miss my kids obviously, and my friends - and the weather a bit. Ok, the weather a lot at the moment! Plus other things I used to do like breeding my fish, I had to give all that up.


You liked beach fishing too. Have you tried rivers or canals?

No I've not had the time. I went out on a boat once but that's it.


Can't let you go without bragging about the cricket. Have you seen much of the Ashes series?

No, I've been on the road and it seems the places I've stayed at have not had it on TV. I've been tuning in to Test Match Special on the radio instead. It's not gone too well at the moment, but I'd still like to be watching it and cheering on the boys. I'm just hoping I can do my bit for Aussie sport once the World Championships start. We need a lift from somewhere at the moment!


Thanks for your time and we've a free £50 bet in aid of a favourite charity...

I've supported the Movember movement to fight prostate cancer. I couldn't grow a moustache because I've already got so much facial hair! I did grow it a bit longer, but I don't think anybody noticed. And as for the bet - as it is for charity I can back myself to win the world title at 17.0. I really think I can do it.


*Simon Whitlock will be competing in the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship, from December 16-January 3 live on Sky Sports.


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