MVG AND BARNEY BUST-UP BEFORE WORLD CUP GLORY

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN and Raymond van Barneveld first World Cup outing together ended in disaster thanks to a behind-the-scenes bust-up. 

The pair famously won the tournament for the Netherlands in 2018 — but Vincent van der Voort says things were very different when they first teamed up five years earlier. 

‘Mighty Mike’ and ‘Barney’ crashed out in the first round after a shock defeat to Finland. 

Former UK Open finalist Van der Voort reckons it was a clash of egos between the Dutch legends that proved their downfall. 

He said: “At the time, Raymond was the seasoned veteran and Michael was just starting to break through, although he was already higher in the rankings. 

“There was a discussion about who should take the lead in the team. 

“Raymond hoped to assume the captain role, but that didn’t sit well with Michael at all.  

“Raymond suggested it gently, but Michael shut it down immediately: ‘I’m number one, period.’ That didn’t go over well with Raymond. 

“Raymond tried to involve Michael, but that approach just doesn’t work with him.  

“You have to give him space. A year later, they figured that out—and suddenly, they became a fantastic pair.” 

Five-time world champion Van Barneveld initially attempted to enforce too much order on the team according to Van der Voort.  

He added: “He eventually realised that with Michael, you just have to let him be. Michael is like a bouncing ball—full of energy and unpredictability.  

“Over time, Raymond adapted beautifully into the second-in-command role. It took some learning, but it worked.” 

World No. 3 Van Gerwen and Van Barneveld went on to dominate the competition together and secure three national crowns.  

Their victories came in 2014, 2017, and 2018, cementing their status as one of the sport’s greatest duos.