RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD is expecting a gruelling battle with Colin Lloyd in the final of the Topic International Darts League - after his brilliant 9-7 semi-final win over Simon Whitlock.
The Dutchman came from 3-0 down against Whitlock to book his place in the final of the tournament on Saturday night.
The pair produced a classic contest, with Whitlock continuing the form which saw him overcome Phil Taylor in the quarter-finals.
Van Barneveld came out on top, but admitted that the game took its toll.
"The last two sets, I struggled to find the trebles - I was very tired," he said.
"It has been a long week and then I had a battle like that, going 3-0 - and almost 4-0 - down meant that I had to fight for every set.
"After the break I thought I could get him, but he came back to make it five-all and kept coming back at me.
"I had to focus on my darts and win when I had the throw, and that's what I managed to do.
"But at 3-0 down, I was hoping it wouldn't go to 9-0! He was playing awesome.
"I enjoyed watching his game against Phil and he was brilliant with his finishing. We'd practiced together before that game and I knew how well he was playing."
Despite four victories against Lloyd so far this year, van Barneveld is adamant that he will not suffer from complacency - and chastised himself for a poor start against Whitlock.
"I know I have to be more focused when I play Colin, because if I'm not he will get me," he added.
"Maybe for the semi-final, I was more relaxed than the quarters.
"Maybe when he beat Phil I was more relaxed and it was crucial. I will not forgive myself for not preparing as well as when I played against Michael van Gerwen.
"It will be completely different for the final.
"It is a longer game and I hope we enjoy it and put a fantastic show on.
"I have a good record against Colin but it means nothing.
"I've beaten him a few times but he is the number one in the PDC and a fantastic player."
Since joining the PDC in February, van Barneveld has qualified for the semi-finals of the Holsten Premier League as well as winning a Budweiser UK Open Regional Final.
And he is hoping to take home another trophy with a victory over Lloyd on Sunday night.
"I don't think I'm having a bad year," said the Dutchman.
"I won the World Masters last year, then I reached the final at the Lakeside and won the Dutch Open.
"I've had some fantastic results in the Holsten Premier League so far, plus the nine-darter against Peter Manley, and now this.
"I'm very happy."