By Pa Reporter
Published: 17:36 GMT, 6 February 2019 | Updated: 17:38 GMT, 6 February 2019
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Raymond Van Barneveld is determined to make the most of his wildcard place and challenge for the title in his final Premier League before retirement.
The five-time world champion announced last year that the 2019 season would be his last.
He begins his bid for a second Premier League crown against James Wade on the opening night in Newcastle on Thursday, but many believe 'Barney' is fortunate to have been handed a place in the competition.
Raymond Van Barneveld announced last year that the 2019 season would be his last
The 51-year-old has slipped to 28th in the world rankings and was beaten in his first match at the World Championship by unseeded Lithuanian Darius Labanauskas.
Barney admits he was as surprised as anyone to be given the nod, telling the PDC: 'I'd like to say thank you to Sky and the PDC for giving me the wildcard again in my final year because I was really in shock that I have it because I'm 28th in the world.
'So really pleased that I have it. Now I have to look forward to hopefully a good Premier League with highlights of course in Rotterdam in week eight and nine.'
The Dutchman
