LOCAL darts professional Ryan Searle has been drawn against Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld in the first round of the World Matchplay Championships which begin at Blackpool this coming Saturday (April 15).

Searle, who is seeded 15th, is up against a player who has previously been the world No 1 and is still a very formidable opponent.

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