JAMES WADE believes his unbeaten start to the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts has proved he is worthy of a place among the sport's elite.
Wade's two wins in Sky Sports-televised majors in 2007 lifted him to third in the world and earned him a place in the Premier League.
He has kicked off the campaign with two victories, including his first televised defeat of Phil Taylor in Glasgow a fortnight ago.
Having overcome then World Champion Raymond van Barnevled on his way to the SkyBet World Grand Prix title last October, Wade has now made his mark against the two most successful players of the modern era.
He takes on fellow 'young gun' Adrian Lewis at the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester this Thursday, and is looking to continue his impressive Premier League opening.
"I've started off well," said Wade. "I'm over the moon with the results I've got - but I can't wait until I hit top form, that will be interesting!
"There's more to come from me, although that's probably the same for the other players too.
"I believe I can hold my own against anyone in the world now. I can be very good over a long format, and legs is my favourite format."
Defending Premier League champion Phil Taylor will open Thursday's matches in front of 4,500 fans in Manchester on St Valentine's Day, when he meets Terry Jenkins.
Raymond van Barneveld takes on Peter Manley, who twice picked up draws against the Dutchman in the 2007 competition and has opened with a pair of stalemates so far this year.
World Champion John Part and Wayne Mardle are both looking to claim their first win of the year when they meet in game three, before Wade and Lewis' clash completes the evening.
Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Night Three, M.E.N. Arena, Manchester
Terry Jenkins v Phil Taylor
Raymond van Barneveld v Peter Manley
Wayne Mardle v John Part
Adrian Lewis v James Wade
Best of 14 legs
Live on Sky Sports One from 7.30pm
Follow the action live in DartsTV, with Live Audio Commentary for subscribers and a Free Live Scoreboard, along with Highlights available from Friday evening
Click here to purchase the official 2008 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts programme