WAYNE MARDLE admits he has been impressed by Jelle Klaasen's impact on the professional darts scene.
Klaasen burst onto the circuit when he won the 2006 Lakeside Championship, and joined the PDC early the following year.
He worked his way into the PDC's top 32 and reached the quarter-finals of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship six weeks ago before earning a Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts debut.
Ahead of his clash with the 24-year-old at Coventry's Ricoh Arena on Thursday, Mardle voiced his respect for the Dutchman.
"In my opinion, Jelle has been a revelation since winning the World Championship in 2006," said Mardle.
"He initially struggled in the PDC for a number of reasons - it's different, he was playing outside his comfort zone, you're not seeded at first and he's playing quality players in the first round.
"He is a world class player and he has fitted in so well that it annoys me! He is class.
"I thought he could struggle but he hasn't and that's a testament to his character and his darting ability."
Mardle lost his opening game 8-1 to Mervyn King, but bounced back to take a point from Terry Jenkins in Edinburgh last week.
While Mardle trailed for much of the game, checkouts of 107 and 160 earned him a draw.
"I've shown everyone that I don't have to play brilliant to win a point," he added. "Like the great football teams, I can play badly and get a point.
"In week one I thought I played okay but when I had a chance I missed it.
"Week two was by far the most inconsistent I've played in the last year and the great thing for me was that Terry wasn't punishing me, and I got away with a point."
Mardle has been traditionally a slow starter in the Premier League - he lost his first four games in 2005, first five in 2006 and picked up just one point in the first five games last year.
He joked: "A point at this stage is a bonus!
"I normally lose my first four games and then kick on. I've got a point earlier than I thought I would - this equals my best start!
"In the previous years I've played in the Premier League I've ended up close to the play-offs despite a bad start so that point could be absolutely massive."
Mardle will be the star attraction at the Brydens Barbados Darts Festival later this year.
Stars such as John Part, John Lowe, Eric Bristow and Colin Lloyd have travelled to the event in previous years and Mardle will be the host at this year's event, from November 2-12.
The week of events will include the Caribbean & South American Masters - which offers the winner a place in the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship - along with a number of events open to holidaymakers.
Travel packages, which include air fares, ten nights accommodation (based on two people sharing), tournament entry fees and transportation to darts venues starts from £820 per person.
For further details contact Michael Heal on +44 (0)7751 571936 or michael.heal@btconnect.com
Some tickets still remain on sale for the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts from the Ricoh Arena Box Office on 08444 121 747.
Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Night Three - Ricoh Arena, Coventry
Terry Jenkins v Phil Taylor
Raymond van Barneveld v James Wade
Mervyn King v John Part
Wayne Mardle v Jelle Klaasen
Watch live on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD1 from 7pm
Listen to live audio commentary and see match highlights in PDCtv
Click here to purchase the official Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts Programme