RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD is aiming to blow the Betway Premier League Play-Off race wide open when he doubles up with two matches at The SSE Arena in Belfast on Thursday.
The Dutch star, who won the 2014 Premier League, sits six points adrift of a top-four place with six league matches remaining as he bids to win back the coveted title.
Van Barneveld takes on table-topping Phil Taylor and basement rival Robert Thornton on a massive night in Belfast, as he bids to keep his Play-Off hopes alive during what is turning into a hugely competitive season.
"It's a big night," said the 48-year-old. "The funny thing is that I started the Premier League really well by winning 7-2 against Phil, and I thought it was going to be a great Premier League - and a couple of weeks later I thought it was the worst Premier League ever!
"I was a bit unfortunate against Peter Wright and the draw against Michael van Gerwen. Maybe I should have drawn against Michael Smith and I think I deserved three or four points more than the seven points I've earned now, but it's all about finishing.
"I've played two games against James Wade so far and they could have been draws but it all went to James. This is darts - I've been around the game for 32 years and sometimes I can't understand the game anymore!
"You can play such good darts now and not necessarily win any more. Last year Phil hit a 116 average and he got beaten by me, but we're playing with the absolute best of the best players and you have to turn up each week.
"Everyone is sharp; James Wade is playing fantastic darts, Adrian is playing okay, Gary is playing good, Michael is playing phenomenal, Phil is playing exceptionally well.
"Robert and me are struggling and I have to win every single match from now on to maybe get into the top four. I realise that maybe isn't possible but I showed last year that I can.
"I'm not nervous, I'm focused on both matches. If I play relaxed darts then I'm always good. Last year I had a point less when I survived Judgement Night, six points, and I tried to do my best each week and funnily enough the results came.
"If I can win both matches on Thursday, which I can, then maybe it's all open."
Van Barneveld inflicted Taylor's only defeat so far this season when the pair met on the opening night in Leeds, and after also overcoming the Englishman on his way to the 2014 final he has now won four successive Premier League games against his great rival.
"In the first couple of years I had one or two draws against him, but I never ever seemed to beat him until three years ago," added van Barneveld.
"My results against Phil in the Premier League for the last three years are phenomenal so I'm really happy, although in knockout tournaments Phil has been the better player in nine out of ten games.
"I think he will be sharp on Thursday, of course he would love to beat me but I'm playing to survive. Phil is already quite certain of a place in the top four and I have to fight to get there along with four or five other players."
A small number of tickets for Thursday's Betway Premier League at The SSE Arena in Belfast are still available and can be purchased by calling 028 9073 9074 or online at www.ssearenabelfast.com.
Betway Premier League
Night 11 - April 14
The SSE Arena, Belfast
Robert Thornton v Peter Wright
Raymond van Barneveld v Phil Taylor
James Wade v Adrian Lewis
Michael van Gerwen v Gary Anderson
Raymond van Barneveld v Robert Thornton
Best of 12 legs
Click below to watch Betway's exclusive Raymond van Barneveld interview