John Henderson is set to make his dream debut in the Premier League on Thursday night, as the fifth contender of 2019.
‘The Highlander’ hails from Huntly in the Scottish Highlands and the local favourite is set to be cheered on by 4,000 adoring darts fans at the BHGE Arena.
Reigning Premier League Champion Michael van Gerwen is his opponent, as Henderson realises a darting dream.
Speaking on The Darts Show ahead of his match, Hendo stated "I must admit it was a great surprise when I got the call to play in the Premier League, but it's always been a dream of mine since joining the PDC."
Currently ranked as World Number 21, Henderson has previous experience of beating Mighty Mike - having defeated the Dutchman on his run to the World Grand semi-finals in 2017.
Having made the switch to the PDC in 2011, he has garnered a fervent following with his trademark rocking motion on the oche. Appearances at the World Grand Prix semi-final, European Championship quarter-finals and German Darts Master final have proven John can mix it with the best.
Next in his sights is a push for a coveted top 16 spot on the PDC Order of Merit, "I know there's a lot of room for improvement, but I think I can push for top 16 and qualify for as many TV events as I can over the next few years” he stated.
So far in the Premier League none of the four contenders have been able to pick up a victory. The closest that they have come so far was last week, as Luke Humphries wired a chance at double 14 to defeat Gerwyn Price.
The Iceman then rescued a 6-6 draw, but the match showed just how the Premier debutants can push the top professionals right to the wire and no match is easy on the Premier League tour.
Click below to view John’s signature darts:
All the action will be broadcast Live from 7pm on Sky Sports in the UK and Worldwide via the PDC’s global broadcast partners.
Night Five - Thursday March 7th
The BHGE Arena, Aberdeen
Michael Smith v Rob Cross
Daryl Gurney v James Wade
Mensur Suljovic v Gerwyn Price
Raymond van Barneveld v Peter Wright
Michael van Gerwen v John Henderson (C)