RELAXED Raymond van Barneveld is bidding to turn 2013 into a 'great' year at the BetVictor World Matchplay.
The Dutch ace has produced some of the best form of his career since he won last November's Grand Slam of Darts title in Wolverhampton, ending a five-year wait for a major individual title.
He has since been a semi-finalist at the World Championship, in the Premier League darts - where he finished second in the regular season's league table - and at last month's UK Open, where he lost narrowly to Andy Hamilton.
The world number eight has also reached the final of the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters this year, and is aiming to improve on that when he returns to the Winter Gardens this week.
"It's been a good, but not great, last six months," said van Barneveld. "The World Championship was good, and although I was disappointed to lose to Phil Taylor in the semi-finals, I think it was one of my best PDC World Championships ever.
"The Premier League was also really good and I was happy with my performance and to finish in second place in the overall standings.
"Phil got the better of me again there so I know that's something I will have to work on if we meet again in the World Matchplay!
"But after making the semi-finals of the UK Open I had a little break [taking a holiday in America] and I've been practising a lot for the World Matchplay, where I hope to play well."
Van Barneveld reached the 2010 World Matchplay final, and hit a nine-darter in Blackpool, shortly after taking a break to watch his country play in football's World Cup in South Africa.
The Dutch star is hoping that a similarly relaxed approach will aid him as he prepares to meet Austrian debutant Mensur Suljovic in Saturday's opening first round games in Blackpool.
"I really like the Winter Gardens, and it's probably the most beautiful venue we play in," added the five-time World Champion. "It's one of the tournaments that I really look forward to playing in and that's especially so this year.
"Mensur is a tough opponent and it's hard to find your rhythm against him because he's quite slow and deliberate, where I prefer playing against quicker players.
"He's had a great run in the last six months, mainly in the European Tour events, so I won't be taking him lightly.
"I've practised a lot and even had some sessions with Kim Huybrechts, so I'll be ready."
The BetVictor World Matchplay is being held from July 20-28 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. For tickets, call 0844 856 1111 or visit the Winter Gardens Box Office.