John Henderson’s day of destiny has arrived and the man from Huntly intends on savouring every last second of it.
The 46-year-old will make his second Premier League appearance tonight as the first of nine challengers who will take part.
Henderson rose to the occasion in front of 4,000 fans at the AECC last year, drawing 6-6 with Michael van Gerwen, much to the delight of the home crowd who sang his name throughout.
With an even bigger crowd in excess of 7,000 anticipated at P&J Live for the opening round of the Unibet Premier League tonight the Masada Bar player hopes to make it another night to remember.
He said: “Last year was fantastic, probably the best of my darting career anyway.
“There were 4,000 folk screaming and it was unbelievable to hear them chanting my name. To cap it all off I played well which was nice and hopefully I can carry on where I left off tomorrow.
“With 7,000 here it’s going to be even louder. It’s going to be a great occasion and with three Scots in it the crowd are going to have a great night of darts.
“For me it’s my one chance and I plan on enjoying the moment. It’s nights like this that you practice for and I want to go out and put on a show if I can.”
Henderson faces debutant Aspinall who, having featured as a one-off contender last year, has earned a place in the league for 2020 and he is expecting a tough night against the 28-year-old world number eight in the Granite City.
Henderson said: “There are no easy games in the PDC and young Nathan has had some year. He’s won the UK Open and in Las Vegas so he’s a lad who is on the up in the game.
“But I’m looking forward to playing him.
“We’re straight down to Barnsley for the Pro Tour events one and two at the weekend. I was bothered by my shoulder last week but it is fine now and I’m looking forward to the new season.”