The Man Awaits Mardle Test

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD is looking to continue his good form when the Holsten Premier League Darts moves on to Sunderland this Thursday.

The Dutchman made his debut in the PDC last week when he demolished Ronnie Baxter 8-1 in Blackburn to open his account with a bang.

He takes on world number four Wayne Mardle - who lost 8-6 to Phil Taylor in Blackburn - on week two of the Holsten Premier League, and is keen to keep up his momentum.

"I was focused for that first game, now I've got Wayne Mardle, which is another story," he said.

"Wayne played some fantastic darts against Phil, but missed some doubles and that's what it is about.

"I had some good finishes, like the 127, which helped me out so I'd like to keep that form."

After being unveiled by the PDC at a Press conference last Wednesday, van Barneveld then had to regather himself ahead of his debut.

But he was quick to thank his fellow players for the welcome he received.

"I was focused," he said. "I'd come over on the Tuesday and had lots of official things to do - I almost forgot what I came for!

"But all the players have welcomed me, there is a lot of humour and they gave me all the respect, I feel like I'm at home.

"I'd like to thank them, because it was a dream debut."

He also praised the reception he received from the Blackburn crowd - who began by cheering local hero Ronnie Baxter before responding to a brilliant van Barneveld display.

"It was unbelievable," he said. "When I was stood waiting for my walk-on, I thought they were cheering "Barney, Barney" but it was for Ronnie!

"I had goosebumps when I came down, and I said to myself that I wanted to show my best darts ever."

Watch highlights from week one of the Holsten Premier League Darts in DartsTV.

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