LOCAL darts professional Ryan Searle will be playing Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld in the first round of the World Matchplay Championships at Blackpool today (Mon).

Searle, who is seeded 15th, is up against a player who has previously been the world No I and is still a very formidable opponent.

Searle, who regularly practises with Gary Anderson, the Flying Scotsman, who lives at Burnham on Sea, says he has had 'a good year so far.'