Barney Set For Durrant Battle

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD aims to show his class against Glen Durrant when the pair clash in the SINGHA Beer Grand Slam of Darts on Thursday.

Five-time World Champion van Barneveld claimed glory in Wolverhampton four years ago when he went all the way to victory, and has been impressive in three victories so far this week.

The Dutch star takes on BDO number one Glen Durrant in an eagerly-awaited second round contest, with the Middlesbrough thrower winning through from the group stage in his Grand Slam debut.

Van Barneveld, though, is aiming to end Durrant's campaign at the Wolves Civic with another strong display to remain in the hunt for the £100,000 title on Sunday night.

"I'd never seen him play until he played Gary Anderson on Saturday, and I've seen him beat Alan Norris and Nathan Derry and he's a fantastic player," said van Barneveld.

"He's quality, he's number one in the BDO and the main man there and I'll have to give it a good game, otherwise he will finish you.

"I've got to focus well and I'll prepare myself well for the game but I'm looking forward to it because I'm playing really well. I've had some fantastic averages in the group stage."