RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD will join the top six players in the PDC World Rankings in the 2007 Holsten Premier League after being confirmed as the first Wildcard selection.
The 39-year-old Dutch superstar made a great impression in this year's Premier League, finishing the league phase with just one defeat.
He also hit the first nine-dart leg in the Premier League, achieving the feat in front of 3,000 fans at Bournemouth against Peter Manley.
The Dutchman went on to win the Budweiser UK Open in June and then reached the final of the PartyPoker.net Las Vegas Desert Classic, and he has also won three PDC Pro Tour events.
Van Barneveld joins defending champion Phil Taylor, Colin Lloyd, Peter Manley, Roland Scholten and Premier League debutants Dennis Priestley and Terry Jenkins in taking part in next year's tournament.
"Raymond decided to take on the best players in the world in February and has been a phenomenal success," said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.
"We always say that if you have the ability you get your rewards, and he is already in sixth place in the provisional Order of Merit, which comes into force in January.
"That is a superb achievement and testament to Raymond's skill.
"Ray also hit a live nine-dart leg during the 2006 Holsten Premier League, and his success in reaching the semi-finals with just one defeat in the league stage was bettered only by Phil Taylor.
"It will be mouth-watering to see them resume that rivalry next year."
Priestley has risen up to third place in the PDC World Rankings this year to earn himself a spot in the Premier League.
Jenkins, meanwhile, confirmed his place in the last tournament before the cut-off date - by reaching the final of the SkyBet World Grand Prix.
That run, despite a loss to Taylor in the Dublin showpiece, saw him sneak past Wayne Mardle into sixth place in the rankings.
"Terry has proven himself one of the top players with his performances on the circuit and this will be just reward for him," added Hearn.
"He will undoubtedly benefit from playing week-in, week-out in the Holsten Premier League.
"I would also like to congratulate Dennis Priestley on earning his place. Two years ago he set a target to climb back up the rankings and he has achieved that in some style.
"He is a legend of the game who is still performing superbly after 20 years as a professional."
Tickets for the 2007 Holsten Premier League are now on sale - click here for more details and Box Office numbers