Raymond van Barneveld excited ahead of World Matchplay

Raymond van Barneveld has insisted that he will not take Mensur Suljovic lightly in their first-round clash at the World Matchplay.

The five-time world champion is bidding to win the tournament for the first time, and he has admitted that he is excited to get his campaign underway against the Austrian.

The 46-year-old told PDC.tv: "I really like the Winter Gardens, and it's probably the most beautiful venue that we play in. It's one of the tournaments that I really look forward to playing in and that's especially so this year.

"Mensur is a tough opponent and it's hard to find your rhythm against him because he's quite slow and deliberate, where I prefer playing against quicker players.

"He's had a great run in the last six months, mainly in the European Tour events, so I won't be taking him lightly."

The tournament in Blackpool begins on Saturday evening.