Legend Barney is heading back to the Ally Pally

DARTS legend Raymond van Barneveld is heading back to the Alexandra Palace.

The Dutch icon will appear for a record 34th appearance at a World Championships after sealing his place in the upcoming 2026/27 London showpiece.

Van Barneveld's performances over the final days of Players Championship events in Leicester have ensured his presence once again for the big one, ending the season in 33rd place in the Pro Tour order or merit (world's top 40 excluded).

At the age of 59, having been there at the very start of the PDC's time at the Palace, Barney's Army will cheer him onto the new stage next month with the five-time king of the sport's place now cemented.

Van Barneveld has had to battle throughout the campaign to make it to Muswell Hill, but displayed typical grit to get over the line at the Mattioli Arena.

Fans feared they may never see Barney at the Ally Pally again after his harrowing defeat to Stefan Bellmont in last year's tournament.

The Hague hero was thumped 3-0 in demoralising fashion and it hurt badly at the time as he said: “Christmas doesn’t count for me this year. I have nothing to celebrate."

However, 11 months later, he will get the chance to right that painful wrong as he makes his way back for the biggest event in darts.

Image by Taylor Lanning.