Barney Ready For Nicholson

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD is eagerly awaiting his second round contest with Paul Nicholson in the Sky Bet Mobile World Matchplay.

The Dutch ace, last year's World Matchplay runner-up in Blackpool, will meet in-form Nicholson in the feature game of Wednesday's second round clashes at the Winter Gardens.

Nicholson - the Players Championship Finals winner last year - was impressive in his first round win over Colin Osborne, having reached the quarter-finals of the Speedy Hire UK Open in June with wins over Gary Anderson and Phil Taylor.

"He's a fantastic player," said van Barneveld. "He had a tough battle against Colin Osborne and I must admit Paul is impressive under pressure.

"You can't underestimate him. He's world class at the moment and he'll be in the top ten in the world soon."

Van Barneveld had a disrupted preparation for his first round clash with Steve Brown after leaving his darts in Holland and needing a new set to be brought to Blackpool on the day of his game.

However, he was a special guest of Blackpool FC on Tuesday night at their pre-season friendly with Rangers - where he was presented with a shirt by the Bloomfield Road club on the pitch at half-time - and is in positive mood ahead of the clash with Nicholson.

"I'm looking forward to the match and if I'm focused I can beat everyone," added van Barneveld.

"I beat Gary Anderson twice in the Premier League and Adrian Lewis twice in the Premier League, and if my day is good and I hit my doubles and trebles I can beat anyone - as long as I have my darts!"