Raymond van Barneveld wants to retire from darts “with a bang” after being inspired by his old rival Phil Taylor.
Taylor’s last appearance in the World Darts Championships was in 2018, when he amazingly reached the final after beating his team Chris Dobey, Gary Andersonand Jamie Lewis.
van Barneveld, who retired from the game in 2019, vowed to play one last deep game at Alexandra Palace before retiring.
Raymond van Barneveld wants to end his career with a bang
Barney has impressed since returning to the professional game and continues to be in the PDC top 32 heading into the World Darts Championship.
The Dutchman won his first ranking tournament title since 2021 in March at Players Championship 5 and is adamant he wants to leave the game while he is still able to compete.
Speaking to Online Darts, Barney said: “I don’t want to end up like Steve (Beaton) again without the World Championship. I like going into the World Cup with a bang, you know, doing well.
“Just like Phil when he got to the final, so hopefully I’ll be fine for the next three to five years. I still feel like I can do damage and I will continue to do so and I believe in that.
“No one is saying Raymond van Barneveld will win the trophy and I know that’s realistic, but in my head I believe I can.”
The 2007 world darts champion will face Nick Kenny or Stowe Buntz in the second round, with a possible meeting with the world No. 1 in the third round Luke Humphries not excluded.
Raymond van Barneveld wants to impress in Ally Pally
Even though Barney first appeared at the premier darts event over two decades ago, he is still excited to take to the Alexandra Palace stage.
I’m talking to Sports recordThe 57-year-old said: “I can’t wait, it’s always special. The World Championship is what every darts player wants to win.
“Being a world champion, I know it firsthand, you are something. This is what every dart player dreams of.”
The Barney’s World Darts Championship campaign begins during the evening session on Saturday, December 21.
Related posts
