RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD is relishing his crunch round two clash with Gary Anderson at the 2018 BetVictor World Matchplay this evening.
Van Barneveld made a winning return to action after a six-week break as he kicked off his Blackpool campaign on Sunday night with a 10-6 victory over Kyle Anderson.
The former Winter Gardens finalist gave a mixed review of his opening round performance and knows he will have to raise his level to see off Gary Anderson and reach the quarter-finals for the first time in seven years.
"I know I can produce a lot more than I did in my first game and I will have to be better against Gary," said van Barneveld, who exited last year's tournament at the second round stage.
I still believe I can win this tournament
"Against Kyle I was relieved to win in the end because I didn't feel comfortable in parts of the game - I started playing with new darts last week but I'm happy with my setup.
"To win games against top players like Gary on this stage you have to play your A game and I will come into the match fully focused.
"I'm really looking forward to getting back on the stage and I still believe I can win this tournament."
Tuesday night's action will also see Jeffrey de Zwaan, who knocked out world number one Michael van Gerwen, play 2013 finalist Adrian Lewis, Michael Smith meets St Helens rival Dave Chisnall and Daryl Gurney takes on Joe Cullen.
Following the opening three days of action, Anderson is outright favourite to win the World Matchplay title at 11/4 with sponsors BetVictor, with Cross at 7/2.
Click here for the latest odds following Night Three.
The BetVictor World Matchplay will be televised live on Sky Sports and worldwide through the PDC's broadcast partners, as well as through PDCTV-HD for Rest of the World Subscribers (outside of UK, Ireland & Netherlands).
2018 BetVictor World Matchplay
Schedule of Play
Tuesday July 24 (7pm)
Second Round
Dave Chisnall v Michael Smith
Daryl Gurney v Joe Cullen
Jeffrey de Zwaan v Adrian Lewis
Gary Anderson v Raymond van Barneveld