KIM HUYBRECHTS has revealed his excitement ahead of his Betway Premier League debut against Michael van Gerwen at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Thursday night.
The Belgian ace will mark his first appearance in the tournament when he faces the world number one - and former Premier League and World Champion - van Gerwen in front of over 11,000 fans.
Huybrechts has established himself amongst the world's top players with three ranking titles and two appearances in televised finals in recent years, and landed a nine-darter when he defeated van Gerwen en route to the 2014 Grand Slam of Darts semi-finals.
Thursday's Betway Premier League opener in Leeds, though, will be the biggest crowd the 29-year-old has ever played in front of, and the Belgian is relishing the opportunity.
"I don't know what to expect - I want to get up there and enjoy every moment," he said, in an interview for the OfficialPDC YouTube Channel.
"I'm very excited and looking forward to my first week, against the number one in the world with a lot of people watching - it doesn't get any better than this.
"We all know what Michael can do and you're going to have to play your top game to beat him, so I know what I have to do."
Huybrechts' rise has helped to raise the profile of top-class professional darts in Belgium, which will host the European Championship for the first time later this year.
Despite the growth of darts in his country, Huybrechts admitted that his inclusion in the £700,000 event came as a shock when the field was announced last month.
"I was very surprised when they said my name, but I'm very happy with it," he added. "It's a big chance for me to get on the biggest stage in the world.
"I'm really looking forward to every week. I have the belief in myself - I know what I'm up against and I'm going to have to play 100 averages every week to beat these players.
"I know I'm capable of doing that and I've worked hard for this. It's up to me to take my chance now."