North fearless ahead of first round clash with Barney: 'I'm there for one reason only'

Richard North has a tough test in the first round of the World Championship but believes he can get past his opponent, Raymond van Barneveld and admits he's 'over the moon' to draw the five time world champion. In an interview with the website Live Darts, North discussed the draw and some advice he has got from Phil Taylor on what to do when it comes to playing Barney. 'I can't wait," North told Live Darts. "I'm really excited about it and especially to get Barney, I'm over the moon. "I was quite happy with the draw in truth because I don't think I'm going to lose, I'm pretty confident. "I think my form's been pretty good this year but I'm not stupid, I know it's on TV, it's the World Championship and I've got to perform. "I remember watching it last year and thinking 'I'm as good as these players', but saying it and doing it are two different things." He then spoke about Barney's most notable shock at the World's, a loss to James Richardson and admits he's watched it to get inspiration. "I've watched that game back about five times just to try and see what I need to do and get some inspiration from it," he added. "If his head starts shaking then that's when I can really get in front and take advantage of it. "I was at an exhibition last week and spoke to Phil Taylor and he gave me a few words of advice for playing Barney, which was good of him. I'm there for one reason only and that's to win."