Raymond van Barneveld wants to retire from darts ‘with a bang’ after taking inspiration from his old rival Phil Taylor.
Taylor’s last appearance in the World Darts Championship came in 2018 as he went on a tremendous run to the final after defeating Chris Dobey, Gary Anderson, and Jamie Lewis.
van Barneveld, who previously stepped away from the game in 2019, has vowed to have one last deep run at the Alexandra Palace event before retiring.
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Raymond van Barneveld wants to retire with ‘a bang’
Barney has been impressive since his return to the professional game and is still inside the PDC Top 32 heading into the World Darts Championship.
The Dutchman won his first ranking tour title since 2021 in March at the Players Championship 5 and is adamant he wants to leave the game while he’s still competitive.
Speaking to Online Darts, Barney said: “I don’t want to end like Steve (Beaton), again with no World Championship. I like to go out in the World Championship with a bang you know, doing well.
“The same as Phil did when he went to the final, so hopefully for the next three to five years I’m doing ok I still have the feeling I can do some damage and I will still continue and I believe in it.
“Nobody is talking about Raymond van Barneveld to win the trophy, and I know that’s realistic, but in my head I believe I can.”
The 2007 World Darts Champion is set to play either Nick Kenny or Stowe Buntz in the second round with a potential third-round meeting against World No. 1 Luke Humphries on the cards.
Raymond van Barneveld eager to impress at Ally Pally
Despite first appearing at darts’ premier event over two decades ago, Barney is still excited to step on the Alexandra Palace stage.
Speaking to Record Sport, the 57-year-old said: “I can’t wait, this is always the special one. The world championship is what every dart player wants to win.
“Being a world champion, as I know for myself, you are somebody. That’s what every dart player dreams of.”
Barney’s World Darts Championship campaign gets underway during the evening session on Saturday, December 21.