Daryl Gurney wants a belting homecoming with a repeat defeat of Unibet Premier League joint-leader Rob Cross.
The Co Derry man won the German Darts Championship on the European Tour circuit last weekend to move up to third on the PDC Order of merit.
A year ago Gurney beat Cross 7-5 in front of a jubilant home crowd and hopes to extend his push for the play-offs by doing the same again in Belfast tonight.
he said: “I was already over the moon to be returning to Belfast but to win my first European Tour event just a few days before is the perfect start.
“Last year in Belfast was one of the most magical experiences of my life, so to get the chance to do it again is a dream come true. I know the place will be absolutely buzzing.
“I’m not as consistently good as Rob, Michael van Gerwen or James Wade but I’m looking to get into the top four.”
Cross sits level on 13 points at the top with world champion van Gerwen and the world no.2 is hoping to silence the home support.
He said: “I played a Dutchman, Jeffrey de Zwaan, in Rotterdam last week and I know the crowd will be behind Daryl but I’m looking forward to it.
“Daryl’s playing great darts at the moment and he’s a fantastic guy. I’m playing well. I’ve shown some character recently and I’ve needed to do that.”
Third-placed Wade is up against Mensur Suljovic while Wright meets Michael Smith.
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