DARTS ACE QUESTIONS BARNEY COMMITMENT

PAUL NICHOLSON has questioned whether Raymond van Barneveld is fully committed to competing at the highest level on the oche.

‘Barney’ could only muster two legs during a brutal 3-0 defeat to world No91 Stefan Bellmont in the first round at the World Championship.

The Dutchman has not reached a quarter-final on the major stage for the last two years as his form continues to deteriorate.

Former pro Nicholson believes confusion is creeping into every part of Van Barneveld’s setup.

He told the Love the Darts Podcast: “He looks like he’s confused with his equipment, he’s confused about how to approach games.

“I love watching Raymond play, but I want a full-firing RvB or I want none of it. Simple as that.

“If we’re getting this 30% Raymond like the World Championships? Nah. I’m not watching that. I’m not listening to it. But if it’s 75 to 100 percent, yeah.”

Nicholson reckons the five-time world champ needs to improve his attitude and show more desire in tournaments.

He added: “You’re in control of your own life. You are a professional dart player.

“You know where the tournament’s are, you know how to prepare. You’ve done it for decades. Do you want it or not?

“Because if you don’t, you know what to do. There’s a big world out there, you can do anything you want. But if you want this, you’ve got to make it work.”

After returning from retirement in 2022, Van Barneveld has managed to win just ONE title on tour, claiming Players Championship 5 two years ago.

World No36 Van Barneveld is yet to make the last four of a European Tour event during his comeback.

Image by Taylor Lanning.