RAYMOND Van Barneveld will hope to prove his scintillating start to the Holstein Premier League was more than beginner's luck when he takes on Wayne 'Hawaii 501' Mardle at Sunderland's Seaburn Leisure Centre tonight.

After defecting from the rival BDO following defeat in the final of last month's World Championship, the Dutchman marked his PDC debut with an 8-1 rout of Ronnie Baxter in the opening round of Premier League fixtures at Blackburn last week.

He takes on world number four Mardle as world-class darts returns to the North-East this evening and is confident of maintaining his early momentum.

"I was focused for that first game," said Barneveld. "But now I've got Wayne Mardle and that's another story.

"Wayne played some fantastic darts against Phil Taylor last week, but he missed some doubles and that's what it's all about. I had some good finishes, including a 127, and I'd like to keep that form.

"It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks, but all the players have welcomed me. There is a lot of humour and they have showed me a lot of respect. I feel like I am at home and having a dream debut obviously helped."

Baxter is first up at Seaburn tonight and, after losing to Barneveld seven days ago, the 'Rocket' will be hoping for better luck against another Dutchman, Roland Scholten.

"I actually thought I played well last week," said the world number three. "But, if you give your opponent the chance, he will always take you out.

"I went into cruise control a bit and didn't take my chances. But I've got Roland next so it's a good chance to bounce back."

Scholten faces a double header tonight as he will complete the programme with a daunting head-to-head with world champion Phil 'The Power' Taylor.

The third game on the schedule sees Colin Lloyd take on Peter Manley.