RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD is eagerly anticipating his Winter Gardens debut when the Holsten Premier League Darts visits Blackpool on Thursday.
The Dutchman missed out on appearing in the famous venue last July when he lost in the qualifiers for the Stan James World Matchplay, only months after joining the PDC.
The World Champion is assured of a place in this summer's event, but will make his Winter Gardens bow when the Premier League roadshow hits the seaside resort for the seventh league night.
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"I'm looking forward to it," said van Barneveld.
"I was there last July because I'd played the Bobby Bourn Memorial, and I watched one day.
"I was interviewed by Sky and looked across the venue and that's when it dawned on me that I wasn't in.
"I'm pleased I can get the chance to play in the Winter Gardens next week."
Van Barneveld got back to winning ways in Aberdeen last week with a sensational 8-1 defeat of Roland Scholten, having seen Phil Taylor come from 5-1 down to defeat him in the previous game.
"For the last three weeks I didn't win even though I had high averages," he said.
"Against Peter Manley, he was very good during the Masters of Darts and I was 7-5 down, so I could easily have lost that but drew.
"The week after that I had a 107 average against Terry Jenkins but didn't win and then I was 5-1 up against Phil and lost 8-6.
"It was one of the craziest games I have played in my life and it's hard to understand.
"Maybe I was too relaxed after the break at 5-1, and then you lose four legs in a row and I then missed three crucial darts to go 7-6 up.
"I was very focused on the match against Roland because he beat me in the semi-final 11-3 last year and I wanted it, so I was delighted to get such a big win."
Van Barneveld admits that the added responsibilities of carrying the World Champion's title had seen him lose focus on his practising and fitness regime.
"I have bought myself a home trainer and a treadmill, because I have to get in shape," he said.
"All these guys coming through, Jelle Klaasen and Michael van Gerwen, are fitter than me and Phil is getting fitter and has lost some weight.
"He is practising all day long and I'm finding it hard to get that time because of exhibitions or interviews.
"Sometimes you can forget what it's all about; practising, practising, practising and fitness training.
"I looked in the mirror and said I have to get in shape and get fitter otherwise I'm not going to make it.
"In the last three weeks, I've played well but you need rhythm, playing good players in practice and getting more confidence.
"Last weekend I didn't play in the UK Open Regional Final and next week will be the same.
"You need some time off to relax with your family - they went on holiday to Turkey recently without their Dad and it's hard for them as well."
Van Barneveld takes on Dennis Priestley at the Winter Gardens, with the Yorkshireman looking to bounce back from losing his spot at the top of the table last week.
Priestley's deliberate and considered style can affect some players, but van Barneveld is happy to play at his own pace.
"He's very slow but I don't care," he said. "It will be a very good game and I hope I win because it makes the league very open.
"He's one of the greatest players of all time, he won the Lakeside in the year I made my debut there. I watched him all week that time and have followed him for all these years."
Priestley suffered his first Premier League defeat in Aberdeen, going down 8-6 to Manley and being punished for a string of missed doubles.
"It was bitterly disappointing," said the resurgent 56-year-old. "That game was probably the best I have scored in the Premier League, but my finishing cost me.
"It's something I'll have to work hard on before playing Raymond, but I hope I can give him the backlash!"
The sold-out event will also see the top-versus-bottom clash between Phil Taylor and Colin Lloyd, Manley meet Scholten and Adrian Lewis take on Terry Jenkins.
For Holsten Premier League Darts match odds, visit the PDC's Online Betting Partner Blue Square.
Holsten Premier League Darts
Night Seven, Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Adrian Lewis v Terry Jenkins
Roland Scholten v Peter Manley
Raymond van Barneveld v Dennis Priestley
Phil Taylor v Colin Lloyd
The action begins at 7.30pm and will be screened live on Sky Sports.