RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD has set his sights on a more determined preparation for the Holsten Premier League Darts - despite opening his title bid with a win on Thursday.
The Dutchman defeated Adrian Lewis 8-5 in the opening game of the 2007 Premier League at the Plymouth Pavilions, coming from 2-0 down to take the points.
A month on from his Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship triumph, van Barneveld admitted that he felt under-prepared going into the contest.
Watch highlights from the Plymouth Pavilions in DartsTV
"I'm really relieved to get the win," he said. "It's been a busy month for me.
"Just after the World Championship we went to Newcastle and then I went back to Holland and worked for SBS6 television doing analysis on the Lakeside tournament for a week.
"I had some exhibitions, travelled to Gibraltar and played the two tournaments there and suddenly it was the end of the month!
"I'm tired and it is hard work but I need to go back to the gym and practice more.
"At this level, you can never slow down because these players want your scalp and are capable of getting it."
Lewis showed few nerves on his Premier League debut, and pushed van Barneveld all the way.
The Dutchman added: "It was an exciting game, with us both having a 97 average, but I'm really pleased that I won my first game and look forward to Colin Lloyd next week.
"I look forward to every match and travelling all over the country."
The visit to Plymouth was the first time van Barneveld has been announced as World Champion with the PDC, and he said: "It gave me goosebumps when my name was called out.
"It was brilliant! The reception I got was fantastic.
"I love this country, the people in the crowd love you and the Barney Army is a new thing and it's great to play here every week.
"It's also increasing my abilities to play every week against the best players in the world."
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