RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD feels his first objective in the 2009 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts has now been achieved.
The Dutchman's win over Jelle Klaasen in last week's Premier League night in Aberdeen ensured his spot in May's play-offs at the Wembley Arena.
Having lost in the semi-finals for the past three years, van Barneveld is now aiming to be at his peak on May 25 - but is pleased to have overcome some rocky form to guarantee a top-four finish.
"That was my target at the start," he said. "At first I had to get into the top four, and then it doesn't matter who you play - Phil Taylor or James Wade or Mervyn King.
"People are hoping for a Barneveld-Taylor final, but I've been in the semi-finals three times and lost, so it's going to be tough."
Van Barneveld picked up an 8-5 win over Klaasen to complete a Premier League double over his fellow countryman.
"I know I can play better but winning was most important," he said.
"In the past I've had so many good games and still lost, so it's better to have an average game and hit your doubles and win, than play superb and lost your match because you miss doubles."
Van Barneveld takes on Adrian Lewis in a Challenge Match at the Sheffield Arena on Thursday night before finishing his league campaign against Terry Jenkins in Cardiff next week.
He has been boosted by receiving a lucrative four-year contract with darts suppliers Unicorn, who will produce a new range of darts for the five-time World Champion.
"It is a great honour for me," said van Barneveld. "Unicorn will help me to develop new darts and I am ready to move onwards and upwards again."
A limited number of tickets for Thursday's Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts still remain on sale, priced at £20 and available on 0114 256 5656.
Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
April 30 - Sheffield Arena
Raymond van Barneveld v Adrian Lewis (Challenge Match)
Phil Taylor v Dennis Priestley (Challenge Match)
Terry Jenkins v John Part
James Wade v Jelle Klaasen
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