Max Hopp thrilled to be making his Premier League Darts debut in Berlin
Hopp on Barney: "Raymond has always been my childhood idol and when I started playing darts my first darts I actually bought were Raymond van Barneveld Triple B"
Wednesday 20 March 2019 08:20, UK
Germany's Max Hopp is "so excited" to be making his Premier League debut in Berlin on Thursday when he takes on the legendary Raymond van Barneveld.
The former PDC World Youth Champion has emerged as one of the sport's top attractions in recent years and his German Darts Open triumph in 2018 has propelled him in his homeland.
Hopp was selected as one of nine 'contenders' following Gary Anderson's withdrawal from the Premier League and night seven in the German capital will see a barnstormer of a clash as the 22-year-old takes on Barney in the last match of the evening.
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"I'm so excited, playing in front of my home crowd on home soil against Raymond van Barneveld and what an important game it is for Barney because if he loses then he could be in really big trouble," Hopp told the Darts Show Podcast.
"I have mixed feelings about it because Raymond has always been my childhood idol and when I started playing darts my first darts I actually bought were Raymond van Barneveld Triple B.
"I also want to go further in my career and win this game. This night is special for me because it's a great platform and it's a Premier League experience for me for the first time so it's a huge night for me."
I don't think Berlin will top that [Aberdeen] but I hope they can come close.
Speaking about the highly-anticipated atmosphere in Berlin for Hopp's clash, he admitted: "I don't think the atmosphere will get any louder than John Henderson's match against Michael van Gerwen in Aberdeen. I had goosebumps with the crowd celebrating every 180 - I don't think Berlin will top that but I hope they can come close."
Hopp also discusses the importance of the Euro Tour, his goals for the rest of the year, and wanting to be part of the next generation of darts.
The Premier League heads to the Mercedes-Benz Arena, Berlin on Thursday, March 21. You can also stay up to date with all the action by following us @SkySportsDarts and get all the latest news, previews and interviews www.skysports.com/darts
