Raymond van Barneveld will soon start his 32nd world championship (14x BDO, 18x PDC). The 57-year-old Dutchman enters the round as the 32nd seed and will meet the winner of the fight between Stowe Buntz and Nick Kenny at the gala Pally’s ally.
Van Barneveld asked the PDC in advance to play its first match as late as possible. “I have informed the PDC that I am open to playing as late as possible during the World Cup. The 23rd was the last possible day and I have to play on the 21st. I’m very happy with that,” said Van Barneveld Sportnieuws.nl.
However, darts commentator Jacques Nieuwlaat warned him that he would probably have to start earlier because he was sitting next to the world champion Luke Humphries. After all, Humphries needs to be in action right away on the opening night of the tournament. “But it doesn’t matter at all,” Van Barneveld said. “I have to play on December 21 and the winner of this match will play again on December 27. Schedule-wise, I’m very happy with it.”
Raymond van Barneveld in action
Van Barneveld is aware that he will still face a difficult task if he wins the match in the second round. After all, Humphries has had a great year and is starting again as one of the absolute favorites for the World Championship. Still, “Barney” sees opportunities. “It has never happened before that all 32 seeded players were among the 32 players and the top 16 players in the round of 16. It won’t happen again.”
At 57, Van Barneveld is not yet thinking about possible retirement. “I’m not financially ready to stop playing tomorrow. This also ensures that the game is still important to me. It’s no longer so easy to scream that you want to stop. It’s also no longer in my system or in my head at all.”
