Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Van Barneveld shifts his aim with last darts world championship
RAYMOND Van Barneveld says he is ready to enjoy life as he prepares to end a glittering darts career after the World Championship.
The five-time world champion announced last year that 2019 would be his final season on the circuit before quickly reversing his decision to retire early after a dismal Premier League campaign in March.
Now the 52-year-old, who won four BDO World Championship titles before clinching the PDC crown in his first year after switching in 2006, believes the time is right for him to bow out.
“I’m ready to enjoy life which is something that I’ve never done in 25 years of playing darts,” said Van Barneveld.
“I spoke to Phil Taylor and he said ‘Ray, I’m not going to miss it one day. I’m still happy that I made the decision and I can now do things that I never could’.
“The problem is that I’m not a young man any more. I’ve played 35 years of darts and these are the moments why I want to give up.
“It’s too much preparation for me, it’s too much stress, and as a diabetic this body is giving up.”
Barney has struggled to deliver anywhere near his best form in his final season, but a quarter-final appearance at the Players Championship finals last month hinted at a potential upturn in fortunes.
He starts his campaign tomorrow night against American qualifier Darin Young.
“There is so much going on in my head,” Van Barneveld added. “I can’t wait for this year to end with, hopefully, a good result at the worlds.”
Defending champion Michael Van Gerwen, who has won the trophy three times, is yet to successfully defend his title but arrives at Alexandra Palace as the firm favourite to do just that.