BARNEY “OVER THE MOON” WITH CLASSY WIN

By Phil Lanning

EMOTIONAL Raymond van Barneveld admitted he was “over the moon” to deliver a special 144 finish to beat Chris Dobey. 

Barney came from 3-1 down to force a deciding leg against Chris Dobey at the Dutch Masters in Den Bosch.

But then came a moment of sheer class as the Dutch legend delivered the big kill on double 12 to send the crowd wild and take the 6-5 win.

He said: “I could have taken the first leg and that was worrying me. Then 3-1 down, then 3-3. 

“I thought ‘come on Ray I can do this’. Chris was a semi-finalist at the Worlds but I can do this if I keep putting him under pressure. 

“But he was playing really good. He took his moments. That last leg. 

“I started well with the 140. I’m thinking never give up. Just beforeI hit that 144 in my country, I’m thinking I’m going to do this for everyone here. And wow in went in.”

Barney, who faces Stephen Bunting in the quarters tomorrow, then admitted that he might only have a couple of years left in the sport. 

He added: “Maybe only two or three years in me. Don’t get me wrong to play in your own country. Germany, United Kingdom, it doesn’t matter. They all support the Barney Army. 

“But here. I’m looking forward to tomorrow night. It’s going to be mental, sold out already. Wow what a game. 

“I’m so over the moon with this win. I was struggling for a year now and finally. I said 144, trip, trip and then double 12 went in.

“I love Stephen we get along fine together for long years. It’s going to be a great game. But for now I’m going to enjoy this, I’m really proud of myself.”