Wattimena on facing Price at World Matchplay after late call-up: "You can't draw much harder"

Jermaine Wattimena will be involved at the World Matchplay from Saturday. 'Machine Gun' was called up to replace Mensur Suljovic who had to withdraw for medical reasons.

"That news came as a total surprise," Wattimena told Dartsnews.com. "Obviously it's not the best way to qualify, after all, you don't wish anyone an injury or anything like that. But I'm happy to still be able to participate in the World Matchplay."

Wattimena travels to Blackpool with the necessary doubts. "My form has been poor recently, but the last two days at the Super Series it was better. So the confidence is slowly coming back."

The 33-year-old Dutchman will meet Gerwyn Price in the opening round. "Well, you can't draw much harder. I just have to focus on my own game. If I reach my best level, maybe there's something in it."

Wattimena has lost no less than 33 kilos in recent months. "I knew in advance that it would also affect my performance on the dartboard, because I had seen that before with other players who have lost so much weight. I do feel much fitter and have more energy, in the longer term it will only benefit the game."