RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD is bidding to claim his first-ever win over Kim Huybrechts when the pair meet in the Betway Premier League at a sold-out Westpoint Arena in Exeter on Thursday.
The reigning Premier League champion has lost his previous six meetings with Belgian ace Huybrechts since 2008, although three have gone to a deciding leg with the youngster going on to take a 6-5 win.
However, van Barneveld claimed his first win of the Premier League season against Stephen Bunting in Belfast last week and is hoping to take that form into his clash with Huybrechts.
"I've never beaten Kim before but I hope to get my chance to beat him for the first time in my career and I'm looking forward to it," he said.
"You don't win games because of your name or because you're a five-time World Champion now, every week is a battle and it's ten amazing players.
"It's happened to Gary Anderson before that he won the Premier League one year and then finished bottom the next, so I have to grab every point I can.
"Sometimes the game isn't fair - you saw Kim Huybrechts average 107 last week and lose - but it's not about averages, it's about hitting doubles. I blew my chances in week two but last week I took my chances."
Van Barneveld lost his opening two matches before drawing with Peter Wright in Liverpool - despite leading 5-1 in that contest.
He also led 4-0 against Bunting before the Premier League newcomer fought back to eventually lose 7-4, and the reigning champion is determined to make every leg count in his battle to retain the title.
"I lost my first game 7-1 so I've got to work harder now than anyone else now," he said.
"When I was leading 4-0 last week I was thinking about winning 7-0 and thinking about my leg difference, and at the end of the season every leg could be vital.
"Every week is a big game and I've got to work hard for it, and that's what I like to do as long as I hit my doubles and get the points."
Kim Huybrechts v Rayond van Barneveld - Head-To-Head
Huybrechts 3-2 van Barneveld - 2008 Antwerp Darts Trophy
Huybrechts 6-3 van Barneveld - 2012 Players Championship (Spain)
Huybrechts 6-5 van Barneveld - 2012 Players Championship (Reading)
Huybrechts 6-5 van Barneveld - 2012 Players Championship (Reading)
Huybrechts 10-8 van Barneveld - 2012 European Championship
Huybrechts 6-5 van Barneveld - 2013 European Darts Open
Betway Premier League
Night Five, Thursday March 5 (7pm)
Westpoint Arena, Exeter
Raymond van Barneveld v Kim Huybrechts
James Wade v Phil Taylor
Adrian Lewis v Stephen Bunting
Peter Wright v Michael van Gerwen
Dave Chisnall v Gary Anderson