BARNEY INTENDS TO WIND DOWN ON PRO CAREER
27/05/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD has hinted he intends to wind down on his professional career.
Former world champion Van Barneveld says the relentless schedule is becoming harder to handle.
‘Barney’ opened up about his future after a hard-fought 6-5 win over Jerry Hendriks in round one of the Dutch Darts Championship on Friday night.
And victory helped Van Barneveld keep his hopes alive of featuring at the World Matchplay in July.
World No. 35 Van Barneveld told Sportnieuws.nl: “Of course, you want to make the Matchplay.
“But starting next year, I really need to slow things down. It’s all becoming a bit too much.”
Six-time major winner Van Barneveld revealed he’s now considering skipping certain tournaments in 2025 to preserve his longevity.
He added: “Maybe cut back on the Pro Tours.
“I’ll keep playing the Euro Tours as long as I’m in the top 16. But let’s be honest, the schedule is madness — it barely leaves any time to rest.”
The Dutch icon admits he’s struggling more and more with the physical grind of the circuit.
He said: “I’ve been doing this for forty years now, and I still love it.
“When you’re up there warming up and hear the crowd — it gives you an incredible feeling of pride.
“But while the mind is still willing, the body doesn’t always follow. That’s the tough part.”
The 58-year-old last made the semi-final of a major in 2022 at the Grand Slam.
Although RVB did win the Players Championship Five last year.
Van Barneveld believes the rise in standards is making it harder than ever to stay at the top.
He revealed: “Often it’s over in the first round. At some point, you have to be honest with yourself — I have amazing sponsors, great people supporting me, but I’m also 58.
“It takes a lot of mental energy. I’m not sure how much longer I can keep going.
“I still love it — tonight was another great example — and I hope I can keep going for as long as possible. But like I said: the mind still wants it, the body not always.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
