RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD has put his Betway Premier League revival down to belief, as he continues his bid to retain the title in Thursday's Play-Offs.
The Dutchman has turned his season around to claim a semi-final spot - having been involved in the battle to avoid elimination on Judgement Night only seven weeks ago.
A draw against Gary Anderson on Judgement Night saw van Barneveld survive - on Leg Difference - at the expense of Peter Wright, and the reigning champion went on to win six and draw one of his next seven games to end the season in fourth place.
Van Barneveld had gone into last year's Play-Offs reciting the mantra "Everything Is Possible" after finding himself stood under a sign with the wording whilst at sponsor Betway's offices.
And he is determined to take the same belief into his challenge to retain the prestigious trophy this Thursday night at The O2.
"I believe in myself again," he said. "I'm not watching any other players because I know how brilliant they are, but I'm a good player as well and if you believe in yourself, like last year, anything can happen.
"Michael's the world number one and Gary is our World Champion, they are top class, but what Dave has done in this Premier League is amazing.
"I had a draw against Gary in Week Nine and wasn't eliminated and I'm really pleased that in the seven games since Judgement Night I've had six wins and a draw.
"I've practised a lot on finishes. I'm just doing my thing but I like the game, I like to battle and with the darts that Unicorn provide me I'm playing well."
Van Barneveld is aiming to become only the second player, behind Phil Taylor, to retain the Premier League title as he chases the £200,000 first prize on Thursday.
"If you retain that title then you're an unbelievable, amazing player and you've shown the rest of the world that you can beat any other player in the field and that's what I want to prove," he adds.
"It means that you're the most consistent player in the field. If you win the World Championship it's two or three weeks, but the Premier League is 16 weeks among the best players in the world and if you win that it means a lot."
Tickets for the Betway Premier League Play-Offs are still available and can be purchased by calling 0844 856 0202 or online at www.axs.com.
Betway Premier League
Play-Offs, Thursday May 21
The O2, London
Semi-Finals
Dave Chisnall v Gary Anderson
Michael van Gerwen v Raymond van Barneveld
Best of 19 legs
Final
Chisnall/Anderson v van Gerwen/van Barneveld
Best of 21 legs
Tickets: 0844 856 0202 or www.axs.com