Raymond van Barneveld admits that it took three or four weeks to recover from his painful World Championship exit, but the five-time world champion believes he made the right decision to retire from the professional circuit and is now looking forward to the future.
Continue reading “Van Barneveld: “I think I made the right decision””
Jeffrey de Zwaan delivered the performance of the World Darts Championship so far to dump out 10th seed Dave Chisnall in a seven-set thriller, before declaring that he can follow in the footsteps of five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld.
Continue reading “De Zwaan: I could be the next Raymond van Barneveld!”
Raymond van Barneveld has confirmed that he has terminated his Professional Darts Corporation membership in an emotional message on social media.
The five-time world champion announced in November 2018 that he would retire after the 2020 World Championship and his final appearance at Alexandra Palace culminated in a disappointing 3-1 defeat against American veteran Darin Young in the first round.
Although Van Barneveld continuously insisted that he would walk away from the game following this year’s showpiece, handing in his PDC Tour Card is the final and definitive step to ending his career in competitive darts, as he will no longer be able to compete on the Pro Tour circuit.
The doyen of Dutch darts has enjoyed one of the most influential careers in the sport. Phil Taylor is the only man to have lifted more World Championship titles than Barney, whilst the 52-year-old has been a trailblazer for Dutch darts – inspiring a new generation of talent.
Van Barneveld has won 26 major televised titles and recorded five televised nine-dart finishes during his illustrious career, although as well as his extensive trophy haul, his legacy will also be centred around his universal popularity which saw him adored by his legion of fans in the ‘Barney Army’.
In a social media message posted on Friday, the Dutchman wrote: “Thank you dart fans all around the world for your support for all these years, but like I said earlier ‘All Good Things Come To An End’. I wish the PDC, all their staff and all the players a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
Van Barneveld then shared an image of his official termination later addressed to PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter, which read: “It is with pain in my heart that I write to you this official letter. I want to terminate my membership of the Professional Darts Corporation as of January 1st 2020.”
“I have had many years of joy and also some with too many losses and now it’s time to retire. I have tried my best to be a great ambassador of the sport and therefore the PDC.
“I also tried to inspire a younger generation to pick up a set of darts and join our beautiful game. Not only in the Netherlands but all around the world. I want to thank you and everyone at the PDC for helping me and supporting me throughout my career.
“We shared so many stories which I will always cherish. I hope that the PDC will continue to grow and flourish like it is at the moment. It makes me proud knowing I have been part of this journey of darts. All the best.”
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Raymond van Barneveld launched a scathing attack on his own performance after losing 3-1 to Darin Young at the World Championship, insisting ‘I will never forgive myself’ after his career came to a premature conclusion on an emotional night at Alexandra Palace.
Continue reading “Van Barneveld: ‘The demons won again’”
‘Risin’ up, straight to the top
Had the guts, got the glory
Went the distance now I’m not gonna stop
Just a man and his will to survive’
Raymond van Barneveld’s career has been littered with glory. He’s maintained his place in the elite for three decades and gone the distance against several darting legends, although the last survivor of his generation will indeed stop – this year’s World Championship marks his final competitive event before retirement.
Continue reading “Raymond van Barneveld: The final chapter of the last survivor!”
Raymond van Barneveld rolled back the years to defeat fellow countryman Jermaine Wattimena in his final competitive event on home soil, whilst Michael van Gerwen fought back to edge out Gerwyn Price in a last-leg thriller on an eventful night at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam.
Continue reading “Van Barneveld and Van Gerwen shine in Amsterdam!”
Raymond van Barneveld has claimed that winning his first Lakeside World Championship was the greatest moment in his career, before revealing that he’d be interested in working as a pundit following his retirement.
Continue reading “Barney on his career, Phil Taylor and life after retirement….”
Raymond van Barneveld has spoken of his desire to sign off in style at this year’s World Championship. as he approaches the latter stages of his glittering career.
Continue reading “Van Barneveld determined to sign off in style!”
In our eighteenth episode of the Josh’s Dartistry Podcast, Josh Gorton is joined by regular co-hosts Jon Dean and Neil Conner to round-up the latest darting news.
Continue reading “Josh’s Dartistry Darts Podcast – Episode 18!”