RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD is hoping that lightning won't strike twice when he meets Gary Anderson in the 888.com Premier League Darts Play-Offs on Thursday.
The Dutchman is bidding to reach his first-ever Premier League Darts final at the Wembley Arena this week, having lost at the semi-final stage four times in his previous five seasons.
Having impressed this year in his return to the top four, victories over Anderson and Mark Webster in his final to league games saw him finish second in the table.
Whilst his previous semi-final losses to James Wade (twice) and Terry Jenkins still remain in his memory, he is most determined to avoid a repeat of his 2006 defeat to Roland Scholten - an opponent he defeated twice in the league phase before being overcome in the last four.
"Just because I finished second, you don't have anything guaranteed," said the five-time World Champion.
"I beat Roland Scholten twice 8-3 in my first Premier League, then he beat me 11-3 in the Play-Offs.
"Terry Jenkins beat me in the Play-Offs, James Wade beat me twice, so you can't take anything for granted.
"Last year I missed the Play-Offs but that was caused by some very sad times for me and my family, but you can see that if my mind is clear I've reached the semi-finals five times out of six.
"I still believe in myself."
Van Barneveld enters the Play-Offs unbeaten in his final five games of the regular season, and although he was disappointed to average just 90 in a last week's win over Webster, he believes Anderson will bring out his best form.
"Gary will bring the best out of me, I'm pretty sure of that," added van Barneveld.
"Last week wasn't the way I can play but if you're already qualified it's a different kind of pressure. I know that if I have to win I'll play my normal good game."
Tickets for the 888.com Premier League Darts Play-Offs remain on sale on 0844 815 0 815 or via www.wembleyarena.co.uk.
888.com Premier League Darts Play-Offs
May 19 - Wembley Arena, London
Semi-Finals
Phil Taylor v Adrian Lewis
Raymond van Barneveld v Gary Anderson
Best of 15 legs - first to eight
Third-Place Play-Off
Best of 15 legs - first to eight
Final
Best of 19 legs - first to ten
Tickets: 0844 815 0 815 or www.wembleyarena.co.uk
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