Raymond van Barneveld was presented with a commemorative shield from Dutch Darts station RTL7 in Aberdeen, to mark the milestone of his 200th Premier League appearance, which he brought up seven days earlier in Birmingham.
Van Barneveld has been a Premier League ever-present since his debut in 2006, and he’s appeared in a record equalling 13 Premier League campaigns. His solitary Premier League title came in 2014 when he defeated Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen in a famous night at the O2, but he’s also reached the play-offs on eight separate occasions.
Van Barneveld is the second player to achieve the milestone of 200 Premier League appearances, with Phil Taylor having contested 207 matches. Nevertheless, if Barney were to feature in next year’s competition, he would be poised to break The Power’s record.
The five-time world champion made his first Premier League appearance in February 2006, thrashing Ronnie Baxter 8-1 in Blackburn. His 200th Premier League tussle also ended in victory, as he averaged 100 in defeating two-time world champion Gary Anderson 7-3.
Van Barneveld finished the season in sixth position but finished his campaign strongly; going unbeaten in his last five matches. He faced each of the top four in his final four matches; beating Michael van Gerwen and Anderson, whilst sharing the spoils with Rob Cross and Michael Smith.
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