Max Hopp is relishing the prospect of facing his 'childhood idol' Raymond van Barneveld as he becomes the first German player to play in the Unibet Premier League at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin on Thursday.
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German number one Hopp has been a leading figure in the sport's growth in Germany since making his European Tour debut as a 16-year-old in 2012, and he is set to be roared on by thousands of passionate German fans in the final game of the evening.
The seventh Premier League Contender to star in this year's competition, Hopp spoke to The Darts Show Podcast ahead of one of the biggest nights of his career against a legendary opponent who is still searching for his first victory in this year's tournament.
"I am so excited to be playing in front of my home crowd, on home soil, against the legendary Raymond van Barneveld," said Hopp.
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Night Seven Fixtures (Sky Sports from 1900 GMT)
- Gerwyn Price v Rob Cross
- James Wade v Peter Wright
- Michael van Gerwen v Daryl Gurney
- Michael Smith v Mensur Suljovic
- Max Hopp v Raymond van Barneveld
"Raymond has always been my childhood idol. When I started out, the first set of darts I bought were Raymond’s so it will be a dream come true to play him in front of a home crowd.
"It's a really important game for Barney because if he loses, he could be in real trouble so there will be mixed feelings from me if I win.
"But I also want to go further in my career and this night is special for me; it is a great platform and a Premier League experience for the first time.
"It is a huge night for me and I need to think of my personal goals - I want to perform very well."
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Thursday will see the Premier League roadshow return to Berlin for a second year following 2018's successful debut.
Hopp enjoyed success on home soil in 2018 by winning a European Tour event and reaching the semi-finals of the European Championship in Dortmund, and the 22-year-old is hoping Thursday can be the catalyst for further success.
"I think Berlin has huge power, it will be a huge crowd and they will all be up for the night," Hopp added.
"I don’t think anything will beat John Henderson's reception in Aberdeen - that was a special entrance. I’m not sure Berlin will top that, but I hope they come close.
"Of course I will have nerves and that will play a part, but I believe I have shown over the last year that I can control my emotions on stage very well.
"I can play aggressively or I can play calmly, I have two playing types.
"I’m very aware that every contender has done well so far, and I want to be another one who impresses everybody, so it is a special game. I’m sure when I get on stage the adrenaline will carry me through."
Van Barneveld enjoyed a return to form by reaching his first ProTour final since 2015 last Sunday, but the former Premier League champion is rooted to the foot of the table following a difficult opening six nights of action.
The departing Dutchman will be desperate for a win to increase his chances of survival ahead of Judgement Night in Rotterdam next Thursday.
"Of course Sunday's good performances give me extra belief that anything is possible," said Van Barneveld.
"I have to keep fighting to try and save my season but I know it will be difficult against Max because he is a top player and the crowd will be right behind him."
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Michael van Gerwen returned to the top of the league with victory over Gerwyn Price in Nottingham on Night Six, and he will face Daryl Gurney, who is Van Barneveld's nearest target in eighth place.
Gerwyn Price suffered his first defeat of the campaign last Thursday, and he will be looking to bounce back against last year's semi-finalist Rob Cross, who is tied on points with Van Gerwen at the table's summit.
Third-placed James Wade will face fourth-placed Peter Wright, while 2018 Premier League finalist Michael Smith will take on Mensur Suljovic as both players look to drag themselves away from the relegation picture.
The top four players at the end of 16 nights will face off in the Play-Offs at The O2 on May 23, while the ninth-placed player following Judgement Night in Rotterdam will face an early elimination.
2019 Premier League Darts Table
- Cross P 6 W 4 D 1 L 1 LegD +12 Pts 9
- Van Gerwen P 6 W 4 D 1 L 1 LegD +12 Pts 9
- Wade P 6 W 3 D 1 L 2 LegD +7 Pts 7
- Wright P 6 W 2 D 3 L 1 LegD +3 Pts 7
- Price P 6 W 2 D 3 L 1 LegD +2 Pts 7
- Suljovic P 6 W 2 D 2 L 2 LegD -1 Pts 6
- Smith P 6 W 2 D 1 L 3 LegD 0 Pts 5
- Gurney P 6 W 2 D 1 L 3 LegD -10 Pts 5
- Van Barneveld P 6 W 0 D 2 L 4 LegD -14 Pts 2
